Coronavirus: Elderly asked to stay home in Moscow due to COVID-19 cases surge

Following a rapid growth of coronavirus cases in the Russian capital, Moscow authorities have issued a recommendation for the elderly to stay at home.

Moscow: Elderly are asked to stay at home and employers are instructed to allow as many people as possible to work remotely in Moscow, due to the increase in the number of coronavirus cases.

On September 25, health officials reported 7,212 new cases, the highest daily surge since June. In Moscow, the number of new daily infections started to grow last week and was up to over 1,500 on Friday from under 700 two weeks ago.

Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin wrote in his blog," None of us want to return to severe restrictions (that were in place) this spring. I hope we can avoid that."

Sobyanin urged people over 65 years old and those suffering from chronic illnesses to stay at home starting from Monday, limit their contacts with others and leave their residence only when necessary.

Employers are recommended to allow as many people as possible to work from home, disinfect the workplace regularly, observe social distancing guidelines and use personal protective equipment in offices.