Russia marks record number of COVID-19 deaths for 5th straight day

Russia reported 1,075 COVID-19 deaths on Saturday, its fifth straight daily record, as the authorities prepare to shut workplaces countrywide and lock down the capital.

A record 37,678 new cases were also reported. Despite developing one of the world’s first vaccines against COVID-19, Russia has vaccinated only about a third of its population, one of the lowest rates in Europe.

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President Vladimir Putin this week approved a nationwide workplace shutdown in the first week of November, and the capital Moscow will reimpose a partial lockdown from Oct. 28, with only essential shops such as pharmacies and supermarkets allowed to remain open.

— Reporting by Gleb Stolyarov; Writing by Polina Devitt