Russia’s daily Covid-19 deaths top 1,200 for 5th day in row

Moscow, Nov 14 (EFE).-Daily coronavirus deaths in Russia have exceeded 1,200 for the fifth consecutive day as the Delta variant is fuelling a surge in infections in the country.

The national Covid-19 information center Sunday reported 1,219 deaths within 24 hours, with 38,823 new infections cases across Russia’s 85 regions.

The highest number of coronavirus-induced deaths was registered in Moscow with 95, followed by 80 in Saint Petersburg.

The Russian authorities blame the sharp increase in infections and deaths in recent weeks on the highly contagious delta variant, Russians’ lack of compliance with health rules, and mainly their unwillingness to get vaccinated.

So far, only 57.9 million (49%) of Russia’s 145 million population have been fully inoculated, far from the national target of 80%.

In its fight against the worsening pandemic situation, the Russian government earlier this week has submitted a bill to the parliament that will introduce mandatory health passes to access public places and transport.

Since the outset of the pandemic, Russia has seen 9 million coronavirus cases, with 255,386 related deaths although official statistics on excess deaths in the same period almost double this figure.EFE

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