Russians prepare to travel as lockdown eases

Russia on Monday eased the strict lockdown that was imposed two months ago to halt the spread of the coronavirus.

At Sheremetyevo airport, more flights were scheduled to depart to various domestic destinations.

All passengers underwent thermal screening upon arrival at the airport.

Among them were Anna Tseleva, her husband and their toddler daughter, all looking forward to their trip to the popular resort of Sochi.

Tseleva said the easing of the restrictions gave them "freedom", as they had been unable to travel or see anyone while in quarantine.

But some flights were cancelled due to adverse weather conditions and not all vacationers were able to travel to the Black Sea coast.

Many of them remained stranded at the airport.

The tourist season started officially in Sochi on 1 June, but because of the lockdown it remained unusually empty.

Many hotels remained closed as not every location had received official permission to operate under strict sanitary control.

Beaches also opened on Monday, but swimming remains prohibited.

(Representative Image)