Russia: Cafe terraces, museums and zoos reopen in Moscow

Outdoor spaces in cafes and restaurants, museums and zoos have reopened in Russia's capital as part of easing coronavirus restrictions. Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said last week that the city government would end the lockdown it imposed in late March.

The steps taken Tuesday also allowed dental clinics to resume providing non-urgent treatment.

Kindergartens, gyms and the indoor spaces of cafes and restaurants in Moscow are set to reopen starting June 23.

Moscow authorities cited the decrease in new confirmed virus cases as the reason why stay-home orders and other restrictions could end. The daily number of new confirmed cases in Moscow has dropped from over 6,000 to under 1,500 in recent weeks.

However, Kremlin critics link the move to the Russian government's desire to boost voter turnout in an upcoming constitutional referendum that would allow President Vladimir Putin' to rule until 2036.

Voting is set to start on June 25.