Russia orders wider use of masks and bars to close overnight

Russian authorities order people to wear masks in some public places and asked regional authorities to consider shutting bars and restaurants overnight after a surge in coronavirus cases. The masks are to be mandatory in parking lots, elevators, taxis and public transport. In some cities, including the capital Moscow, the autorities have already made masks mandatory on public transport.

Also it was suggested to close bars and restaurants between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. The RIA news agency had earlier reported this as an order, not a recommendation. The authorities have said earlier they will not repeat the total lockdowns imposed across the country earlier this year. Russia had reported 1,547,774 infections, the world’s fourth largest COVID-19 case load after the United States, India and Brazil.