Russian President Vladimir Putin is taking his most drastic measures yet to curb the second wave of COVID-19.  Putin on Tuesday implemented a nationwide mask mandate, as coronavirus cases surge globally. 

Under the new mandate, effective Wednesday, masks will be mandatory in crowded public spaces, such as public transportation, parking lots and elevators, according to the order published on the website for the federal health watchdog agency Rospotrebnadzor, also known as the Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing. 

The department has also banned all entertainment activities, including bars and restaurants, between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. It recommended strengthening safety protocols on public transport, taxis, shops, restaurants and theaters. 

People not wearing masks will not access services in these establishments. 

Russia has had over 1,520,000 cases of COVID-19 and over 26,000 deaths since the pandemic began, according to John Hopkins University. 

It recorded a record-high number of new cases on Monday, with 17,148, and October has seen more confirmed cases in the country overall than any other month. 

(With input from agencies)