Rospotrebnadzor recommends scrapping social distancing in movie theaters, concert halls, restaurants

MOSCOW. March 1 (Interfax) - The Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing (Rospotrebnadzor) recommends scrapping social distancing in concert halls, theaters and movie theaters, considering the specific features of the Omicron variant of the novel coronavirus, while occupancy levels will remain capped, the regulator told Interfax.

"It's not the occupancy levels but the social distancing requirements that have been scrapped for various establishments, such as movie theaters, public catering and so on," Rospotrebnadzor said.

The resolution, which limits the occupancy of concert halls, theaters, sports arenas and other facilities to 70%, is still in effect, it said.

The document allows up to 70% occupancy of indoor facilities on the condition of QR codes certifying vaccination for Covid-19 or earlier infection. It applies to theaters, movie theaters, concert halls, and sports arenas.

Rospotrebnadzor has recommended that a number of restrictions be lifted due to Omicron transmission. It says that masks should still be worn indoors and premises should continue to be sanitized.