Russia’s coronavirus case tally surpasses 145,000

MOSCOW: Russia registered a near record in new daily coronavirus cases on Monday as total infections surpassed 145,000, cementing its position as the top reporter of new cases in Europe.

Health officials reported 10,581 new infections over the last 24 hours, only 52 less than Sunday’s record, and bringing Russia’s total to 145,268 cases and 1,356 deaths. Russia is emerging as a new hotspot for the coronavirus as many countries in western Europe begin steps to ease lockdown measures after their rates of new infections and deaths dropped.

Despite the sharp rise in cases, Russia’s official fatality rate has remained low in comparison to countries including Italy, Spain and the US.


Officials credit quick moves to close the country’s borders, as well as widespread testing and tracking of infections, but critics have cast doubts on the numbers. Authorities have extended a non-working quarantine period until May 11.