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HEALTH-VIRUS-RUSSIA-TOLL
Russia’s virus caseload passes four million
MOSCOW, Feb 10, 2021 (BSS/AFP) – Russia officially surpassed four million
coronavirus infections Wednesday, days after the country dramatically revised
upwards its fatality rate, cementing its place as one of the world’s worst-
hit nations.
A government tally showed infections had reached 4,012,710, which is the
fourth-highest rate globally after the United States, India and Brazil.
But Russia has come under fire for its official virus statistics and the
government’s stated death toll of 78,134 in particular has been undermined by
recent mortality data.
Figures published by statistics agency Rosstat on Monday showed more than
162,000 virus-related deaths last year, more than double the number reported
by the government’s task force so far.
Russia has frequently come under fire for downplaying the impact of the
pandemic and only counting fatalities where coronavirus was found to be the
primary cause of death after an autopsy.
The country had been battered recently by a second wave of infections but
has held back on reimposing lockdowns like other European countries and
instead relied on a nationwide vaccine rollout.
Russia said Wednesday that 2.2 million people in the country had been
administered the jab since vaccinations began in January.
The mayor of Moscow Sergei Sobyain said last month that half of the city’s
population, or at least six million people, had been infected with the virus,
suggesting a much higher nationwide toll.
Still, last month he also announced a significant easing of restrictions in
the capital, which is the epicentre of the virus outbreak in Russia.
Bars and restaurants are operating as usual, schools have reopened and
companies are no longer mandated to have staff work from home. Mask wearing
in public is still mandatory.
BSS/AFP/SSS/1641 hrs