Moscow to Lift Mask Mandate Starting Tomorrow

The requirement to wear protective masks in public places in Moscow will be lifted starting tomorrow, March 15. Mayor Sergey Sobyanin announced in his blog that the "stabilization of the epidemiological situation allows for the long-awaited decision to be made."

Additionally, the mandatory anti-COVID measures in enterprises and organizations set by the mayor's decree will also be revoked. These measures include regular temperature checks for employees, installation of dividing screens in workplaces, and others.

The relevant amendments have been introduced to the mayor's decree that was established on June 8, 2020. From March 15, restrictions related to personal protective equipment—such as masks and respirators—will be lifted for visiting buildings, structures, and places where goods are sold, services are provided to citizens, on public transport, and in railway transport infrastructure facilities, as well as in taxis and vehicles transporting passengers and cargo upon request.

Moreover, the mandatory social distancing requirement will also be canceled. The mask mandate in Moscow was established in the spring of 2020 to reduce the spread of the coronavirus. Earlier in March, QR codes were abolished in the capital, and restrictions were lifted for visiting public catering establishments, theaters, museums, concerts, entertainment venues, cultural sites, as well as for attending sporting events.