FAQ on mask mode: how to behave on the streets of Moscow

This week the weekend regime officially ended in our country. Russian President Vladimir Putin announced the gradual lifting of quarantine restrictions on May 11, addressing citizens. Joyful citizens for the first time saw at least a small opportunity to return to their former joys: walks in the street, outdoor sports and fitness, unimpeded trips to their loved ones.

At the same time, each region was left free to decide how exactly to manage public life. For example, the decree of Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin to extend self-imposed isolation until May 31 was not canceled. On the contrary, a mask regime was additionally introduced in the capital, and the residents of the city and the region have even more questions. We answer in detail the most popular of them.

Is the self-isolation regime over in Moscow and the Moscow region?

No, it will remain in place until May 31, although the first wave of lifting restrictions has already taken place: industrial and construction enterprises have become active again. The mayor is not in a hurry with the second stage of easing measures, because, according to him, it is necessary to wait a couple more weeks and see how the May holidays and more people going to work will turn out for us. So the capital and the region decided to delay the return to full-fledged public life, and we are likely to hear more detailed information closer to the summer.

Where can I go in the city?

Those who do not need to travel to work, it is still possible to go out on the street for good reasons. These include seeking medical attention, taking out the garbage, going to the pharmacy or store, as well as walking with pets no more than 100 meters from the house. By the way, you can go to the dacha too! But for traveling by public and private transport citizens still need a special pass.

In cases when traveling by bus or subway can be avoided, we recommend you to give preference to walking. This way, you will reduce the number of contacts with other people and in addition, replenish your daily step count.

Can I exercise outdoors?

But training outdoors in Moscow has not yet been included in the list of valid reasons that will allow you to legally leave your apartment. However, Rospotrebnadzor made a recommendation to allow lovers of an active lifestyle to exercise outdoors, and the Ministry of Sports supported this initiative. Therefore, it is quite possible that in the near future we will be allowed to train on equipped grounds, run and ride a bicycle.

In addition, Sports Minister Oleg Matytsin expressed the opinion that if the restrictions are relaxed, the training of local teams at regional facilities should be resumed. In any case, both individual and group training will be possible only if strict safety measures are observed.

Mask regime: what to wear when leaving the house?

These measures can be described by one succinct expression – mask regime. It implies wearing not only masks or respirators, but also gloves. Such equipment is mandatory for work in the office and at the enterprise, going to the store and shopping mall, traveling by cab and any type of public transport. By the way, without personal protective equipment you can simply refuse to provide services and ask to leave the store, subway or car.

In addition, in all public places you should keep a social distance – at least one and a half meters from each other!

When will fitness centers open?

After all, how are they worse than shopping centers? Fitness clubs, on the contrary, help to strengthen immunity and maintain good health through sports and spa procedures. And, let’s be honest, you already want to diversify your home trainings. Nevertheless, there are no plans to open gyms in the near future. The same applies to entertainment facilities, beauty salons, cafes and restaurants.

Mass sporting events remain under the ban for the time being. Probably, soccer fans will be able to go to the match, alas, not soon. But we are all very much looking forward to this wonderful time!