Mass gatherings banned in Moscow to stop coronavirus spread

A ban on mass gatherings of more than 5,000 people in Moscow was declared till April 10. The ban is seen as a measure to prevent possible spread of the novel coronavirus-associated infections.

"Today, I signed a decree banning mass gatherings of more than 5,000 people in Moscow," Moscow mayor Sergey Sobyanin wrote on his blog.

According to the mayor, the ban will be applicable to sports events, including ice hockey and football matches, TASS reported.

The number of coronavirus patients globally exceeds 119,000. Slightly more than 4,260 have died.