MOSCOW, January 14. /TASS/. Moscow authorities intend to make a decision on introducing or relaxing restrictive measures in the city due to the spread of the coronavirus infection in a week or a week and a half, Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said in an interview with the Russia-24 TV channel on Thursday.

"A small decrease occurred but not a radical one. So we, of course, will see what is going on during the next week, a week and a half, in order to understand whether this is a steady stable trend or some kind of a transitional period which will later result in a further surge of infections. <...> Understanding certain risks, we made such a decision on schoolchildren (to return to face-to-face instruction - TASS). On all others - let’s wait until next week, then with eyes wide open we will make other decisions: we will either relax a number of other restrictions or will extend them," the mayor said.

He added that currently many Moscow residents are returning from vacation so it is difficult to understand how the situation with the spread of the coronavirus will develop. "We really hope that the situation stabilizes and there will be no growth," the mayor explained.

Restrictions due to COVID-19

Earlier in Moscow, a number of restrictive measures were introduced due to the coronavirus pandemic. They include students being transferred to distance learning and blocking their transportation cards, suspension of operations of children’s entertainment centers, playrooms at restaurants and shopping centers. From 23:00 to 06:00 Moscow cafes, restaurants, and night clubs have to remain closed. Organizations with face-to-face visitors are recommended to use a QR-code system and employers are obligated to switch 30% of their staff to working remotely.

Events with spectators are also forbidden, including exhibits, except for the official ones conducted by a decision of bodies of the executive branch. In theaters, movie theaters and concert halls the top number of viewers should not surpass 25% of the venue’s capacity and sports events may be held with the audience with the approval of the sanitary watchdog. Schoolchildren in grades 6-11 were switched to distance learning since October 19, and residents over 65 and people with chronic diseases were recommended to stay home.

All Moscow schoolchildren, according to the mayor’s decree published on Thursday, will resume classes in a usual mode on January 18 with their transportation cards unblocked.

The majority of the restrictions in effect in Moscow have been extended for another week.