MOSCOW, Oct 29 (AP) - With hopes of slowing the spread of COVID-19 in Russia, Moscow shut down kindergartens, schools, gyms, entertainment venues, and most stores, while allowing restaurants and cafes to only provide service for takeout or delivery.

The number of new daily cases in Russia rose by over 40,000 on Thursday, topping a previous record reached earlier this week.

The government hopes that this shutdown will help curb the spread by keeping most people out of offices and public transportation.