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Moscow lifts months-long lockdown after Russia partially reopens borders

WION Web Team
New Delhi, Delhi, IndiaUpdated: Jun 08, 2020, 09:26 PM IST
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Photograph:(AFP)

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Mayor's announcement came shortly after Russia decided to partially reopen their borders. 

Moscow's mayor Sergei Sobyanin has decided to lift the months-long lockdown in the Russian capital on Monday, declaring that the coronavirus pandemic was on the wane and normalcy in the city could return on June. 

Mayor's announcement came shortly after Russia decided to partially reopen their borders. 

"The pandemic has slowly but steadily been on the wane for several weeks," Sobyanin wrote on his blog. "Moscow can practically get back to its usual rhythm of life."

Coronavirus infection continues to spread in the country. Russia currently has 476,658 cases of coronavirus and the numbers are increasing rapidly after thousands of new cases are reported every day. It is the thirst worst-hit country in terms of coronavirus behind the United States and Brazil. 

Russia has reported 5,971 deaths due to the virus, but there is a heated debate over the authenticity of the counting. 

Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin announced about Russia opening their borders for the travellers on state television. Foreign citizens needing treatment in Russia or those with close relatives or guardians needing care could also now enter the country, Mishustin said.

Beauty salons, hairdressers and veterinarian clinics would reopen in Moscow and restriction on restaurants and cafes will be lifted in June. 

Russia shut its borders and grounded all the flights on March 30 after the outbreak of coronavirus in the country. International flights are yet to resume after a decision is expected soon.

(Inputs from Reuters)