COVID-19 deaths hit record daily high in Russia

Russia’s national coronavirus task force reported 890 new COVID-19 deaths on Sunday, hitting a record high for the fifth time in a week, The Associated Press reported.

The task force previously reported 887 new virus-related deaths on Friday. 

Russian officials also reported 25,769 new COVID-19 infections, which is the second-highest total in 2021, according to the AP. 

Even with the new rise of COVID-19 deaths and cases, government officials have stated that there will be no plans to impose a new lockdown. 

The government tried enforcing a requirement for customers of restaurants and bars to show proof of vaccination and a negative COVID-19 test to enter indoor establishments, but the initiative was halted after the businesses complained about the loss of revenue, the AP reported. 

This comes as 28 percent of Russian citizens are fully vaccinated against the virus and 32 percent of people have gotten at least one shot. 

Some have said the reason for the country’s low vaccination numbers is due to citizens taking more COVID-19 antibody tests, the AP reported. 

Russian President Vladimir Putin had to enter periods of self-isolation last month due to several members of his leadership team testing positive for the virus. 

Many have criticized the government rollout of their own vaccine, Sputnik V, and mixed messages officials have been sending about the outbreak, the AP noted.