Russia Overtakes France by Number of Infected Patients

Worldometer reports that Russia today became the 5th country with the most coronavirus cases globally, with 10,559 new and 165,929 total cases, surpassing France.

The number of deaths rose by 86 over the last 24 hours, while 1,537 people have died from the pandemic as of today. Recovered patients have reached 21,327, while around 227,000 individuals are under medical surveillance with suspected COVID-19 symptoms.

To soften the virus' spread, Russia sealed its borders to foreigners and stateless individuals, and banned international air and railway transportation. In several big cities on lockdown, including Moscow and Saint Petersburg, people can travel only with a distinctive digital pass issued by the authorities. Russian Health Minister Mikhail Murashko states that preventive procedures will endure until there is a ‘vaccine for the virus’, which is expected to be ready this autumn. Three top Russian officials were also taken to intensive care last week, including Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin.

Originating in China last December, COVID-19 has spread to at least 187 countries worldwide. Europe and the United States are presently the worst-hit areas. The pandemic has taken lives of over 257,300 people worldwide, with total contaminations of over 3.66 million, according to the data gathered by the US’ Johns Hopkins University.

By Beka Aleksishvili