MOSCOW EASES LOCKDOWN WHILE CASES SURGE

MOSCOW Authorities in Moscow, the centre of Russia’s coronavirus outbreak, have begun easing its lockdown despite a surge in cases.

Sergei Sobyanin, the mayor, said shopping centres and all non-food shops would reopen, allowing approximately 300,000 Muscovites to return to work. However, residents were told Monday that wearing a mask would be obligatory outside the home. Muscovites were also, for the first time in nine weeks, allowed out for walks and for limited exercise following a special schedule.

Russian President Vladimir Putin recently said the situation has stabilized, and is eager to keep the economy going. Tatiana Stanovaya, non-resident scholar at the Moscow Carnegie Centre, said authorities believed the state had successfully countered the pandemic.