Russia’s capital and largest city, Moscow, is closing restaurants, malls, parks and other public places for nine days starting on Saturday in an effort to prevent the spread of the new coronavirus.
A statement published on his website on Thursday said, “Mayor Sergei Sobyanin described the measures as unprecedented and absolutely necessary to hinder the spread of the coronavirus.’’
The mayor said that the city would still allow deliveries of food and other products.
“Grocery stores and pharmacies are to remain open,’’ he added.
Russia has reported more than 800 cases of the new coronavirus, including two deaths.
Sobyanin warned President Vladimir Putin this week that the actual number of cases is probably “significantly more’’ than reported.
