Moscow malls & parks open after 65 days of lockdown (PHOTOS)

On June 1, Moscow eased the self-isolation regime introduced on March 28, due to the coronavirus pandemic. Shopping malls, car showrooms, churches and city parks finally reopened after 65 days, while Muscovites are allowed to walk “on schedule”. This is how it looks.

The summer in Moscow began with heavy rains and cold winds. However, many locals who finally get the right for a walk are weathering the elements to leave their homes.

All urban parks are now open for visiting except Zaryadye near the Kremlin, but people can now legally walk in them, however  while wearing masks (gloves are still required while traveling on public transport or when entering any grocery store or pharmacy). The fine for being outside without a mask is 4,000 rubles ($60). The fine for the same (as well as gloves) on public transport is 5,000 ($70).

Yes, and if a person wants to run or do exercises it must be done in a mask, too. Meanwhile, all outside sports infrastructure is still closed. This also includes amusement park rides, kids playgrounds and even benches. Cafes and restaurants can still only operate in “take away” mode.

Beside parks, Muscovites can now take a walk on the streets, but with some restrictions still (enforced from June 1 - June 14): they shouldn’t go further than 2 kilometers from their home, they can only do it three times a week (twice during working days and once on the weekend) and only according to the official schedule published on the Moscow administration website, from 9 am to 9 pm.  People may also now visit churches and attend services.

To walk in a further location a local must receive a digital QR permit (no more than twice a week). Visiting groceries and pharmacies near home is not restricted. Seniors that are 65+ years of age, people with COVID-19 and those who are under observation must remain at home. Moscow authorities have allowed people to rent bicycles again, but asks customers to use sanitizers before and after using them. 

Starting June 1, over 200,000 people in Moscow have been allowed back to work. And the Moscow Metro is no longer empty.

Clothes and computer stores have also finally opened in Moscow! It’s great news for people who miss shopping. According to the new rules, customers and staff must be in masks and gloves at all times. Signs reminding people to keep social distancing have also been put up.

Meanwhile some shopping centers went further in observing antivirus measures and are welcoming their guests only after… “disinfection”.

When entering the cabin, a person is treated with steam from disinfectants. It’s not just your ordinary sanitizer for hands! It’s a real industrial-grade disinfectant!

Outside the city, in the Moscow Region, hardware stores and hypermarkets have now reopened, with hair and nail salons to follow soon. However, getting there and back from Moscow is only possible with a QR permit.