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Coronavirus pandemic

Coronavirus epidemic in Moscow subsiding, says mayor

The mayor lifted some restrictions in the Russian capital on January 22

© Anton Novoderezhkin/TASS

MOSCOW, January 25. /TASS/. The coronavirus outbreak in Moscow has started to subside which clears the path for authorities to slowly return the city to normality, Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said Monday.

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"Moscow has minimal restrictions compared to what is imposed in other cities. Today, we can already say with confidence that the pandemic has started to subside. We have begun gradually, step by step, reopening the city for normal life," he said when visiting a coronavirus hospital in Moscow.

Sobyanin lifted some restrictions in the Russian capital on January 22. For example, museums reopened, while cinemas and theaters can be filled to 50%.

However, remote work is still in place with 30% of employees being mandated to work from home, while Moscow residents over 65 and people with chronic health conditions are recommended to stay home and avoid going out. Restrictions also remain for restaurants, clubs, bars, karaoke places and similar businesses.

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Erdogan praises Russia, China for backing arms embargo on Israel

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