Russia sees record rise as virus cases surge past 130,000

Russia on Sunday recorded a new record daily increase in coronavirus infections as the number of cases climbed past 130,000.

As some European countries were looking to slowly lift restrictions, officials in Moscow the epicentre of the disease in Russia asked residents to stay home despite glorious weather.

With the number of cases increasing by several thousand each day, Russia is now the European country joining the newest infections.

Despite the raises, the government has shown it could slowly lift restriction measures from May 12, depending on the region.

According to the government’s daily coronavirus update, 10,633 confirmed infections were reported in the last 24 hours, bringing the total to 134,687.

President Vladimir Putin has said the situation remains “very challenging” and warned that the country was not yet past the peak of the outbreak.

Russia’s official death rate has remained low in comparison to countries like Italy, Spain and the United States.

Fifty-eight people died over the past 24 hours, bringing the total toll to 1,280.

The authorities are preparing to set up temporary field hospitals around Moscow including at the VDNKh, the famed Soviet-era outdoor exhibition centre, in case of infections, continue to surge.

Muscovites have been under lockdown since March 30 and in mid-April, the authorities introduced a system of digital permits to reduce violations of the restrictions. They have warned that the rules may be tightened further.

Residents of the Russian capital are only allowed to leave their homes to walk their dogs, take out trash and visit their nearest shop although private car journeys have not been restricted up to now.