On the eve of the February holidays, the Governor of the Nizhny Novgorod Region Gleb Nikitin made a "gift" to local residents in the form of another relaxation of restrictive measures on coronavirus. This time, the changes are quite large-scale. They touched on food courts in shopping centers, cafes and restaurants, as well as children's centers.
60% of employment in cinema and theaters
For the entertainment industry, the pandemic has been a tough test. After the losses incurred during the period of self-isolation, cafes, theaters and cinemas slowly began to come to their senses.
The exemptions were introduced gradually. The halls were filled with up to 30% and the seating arrangement for spectators, according to which there should be at least two free seats between visitors.
The new changes will allow more Nizhny Novgorod residents to attend film screenings and performances. Thus, the maximum number of people in the halls increased to 60%. At the same time, when watching movies and performances, you also need to maintain a social distance and wear masks.
The relaxation also affected sporting events. Now the number of visitors is determined by the capacity of the stands. Not so long ago, the number of spectators at the games was limited to 20% of the occupied seats, while it should not have exceeded a hundred.
Permission to hold exhibitions and congresses
With great restrictions, Gleb Nikitin allowed holding congresses and exhibitions in the region. So, the number of participants should not exceed 50 people, taking into account the capacity of the hall. The organizers and guests must wear masks and keep a distance: there must be at least two free seats between the participants.
Air recirculators should be installed in the hall, and body temperature should be measured at the inlet. Food and drinks can only be served individually.
In addition, registration for the event should be done online, and the number of contacts between employees will be minimized.
Opening children's spaces
In addition, in compliance with restrictive measures, children's entertainment centers, attractions and water parks, which have also been closed since last spring due to the ban on mass events, are returning to work.
At the same time, small parts and soft elements, such as cubes in dry pools or components of a constructor, as well as other parts that cannot be disinfected, must not be used in children's rooms. The number of visitors is also limited, and is calculated from the ratio of one person per 10 sq. meters of area.
It remains mandatory to treat surfaces between visits, as well as to install recirculators for air disinfection. Employees of children's institutions must take a PCR test for coronavirus every week.
Carrying out children's parties with food is still banned. Banquets with refreshments, always in individual packages, will be allowed to be held only at the third stage of coronavirus relief.
New conditions in restaurants and the opening of food courts
Further reliefs also affected Nizhny Novgorod cafes and restaurants, which, due to the pandemic, operate with a number of restrictions. Now the maximum occupancy in establishments can be 60%. At the same time, from February 15, public catering will be able to receive guests in the hall from 6 am to 3 am. Until Monday, the previously introduced restrictions are in effect - cafes and restaurants after midnight until six in the morning are open only to take away.
In addition, food courts in malls in the region, which have been closed since the start of the coronavirus pandemic, will resume work on Monday.
Self-isolation for 65+
The greatest concern is caused by Nizhny Novgorod residents over 65, who are more likely to get sick with COVID-19 in a severe form. According to the governor's decree, since October, elderly people have returned to the self-isolation regime, which was previously introduced in April.
This time, retirees are advised to stay on sick leave until the end of February, until the situation with the coronavirus stabilizes. Self-isolation is also recommended for pregnant women in Nizhny Novgorod.
At the moment, there is stability in the growth in the number of cases of coronavirus in the region. The Ministry of Health believes that the region is close to reaching a plateau in terms of the number of people infected and recovered.
