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Coronavirus pandemic

Moscow not easing restrictions too quickly, Kremlin says

The Kremlin spokesman has commented on Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin’s decision to lift restrictions

© Sergei Bobylev/TASS

MOSCOW, June 9. /TASS/. Moscow’s authorities are not easing coronavirus restrictions too quickly, Russian Presidential Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters.

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"Why do you say that it is happening too quickly? Some restrictions remain in place and others will be removed within one to two weeks. It’s not a complete waiver of restrictions," Peskov said, commenting on Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin’s decision to lift restrictions.

The Kremlin spokesman pointed out that regional heads made decisions concerning coronavirus lockdowns based on expert opinions.

When asked if the Moscow Mayor’s Office had discussed the move with the Kremlin, Peskov noted that "it is about the powers that have been provided to the regional heads."

"In this particular case, Sergei Sobyanin used these powers and made a decision, taking the situation into account," the Kremlin spokesman added. According to him, Russian President Vladimir Putin said at the beginning of the outbreak that "the regional heads should exercise these powers in close coordination with the government crisis-center." "This is what has been done," Peskov stressed, confirming that "it was the regional head’s decision."

The Russian presidential spokesman also said that some infectious disease doctors believed that the easing of restrictions could lead to an increase in infections. "There are doctors who welcome the move, while others have a different opinion. Naturally, a regional head makes decisions based on expert views," Peskov concluded.

Self-isolation rules, travel permits and walking schedules were waived in Moscow on June 9. Hair and beauty salons, photo studios, vet clinics and recruitment agencies have reopened, people were allowed to visit cemeteries. Public organizations, film studios and research institutions have resumed normal operations, while theaters, concert halls and circuses were allowed to hold rehearsals. More restrictions are expected to be lifted within the next two weeks.

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