Russia Registers 40,735 New Covid-19 Cases; vaccinated reach 48%

Russia reported 40,735 new Covid-19 cases and 1,192 virus-related deaths on Friday (5), as authorities battle a wave of the disease that has forced them to re-impose a partial blockade across the country.

The numbers were close to the country’s record of 40,993 cases, recorded on Oct. 31, and 1,195 deaths, reported on Thursday (4).

The government’s coronavirus task force said mass immunity reached 48% this Friday, a small increase from 46.8% a week ago – before the start of the workplace shutdown ordered by President Vladimir Putin to try to slow the spread of the disease.

Increased infections in Europe

Coronavirus infections are reaching record levels in many European countries as winter approaches, prompting a call for action by the World Health Organization (WHO) on Thursday, which described the new wave as a “serious concern ”.

Soaring caseloads, especially in eastern Europe, are raising debates on reintroducing movement restrictions before the Christmas holiday and how to persuade more people to get vaccinated.

This debate comes as some countries in Asia, with the notable exception of China, reactivate their tourism sectors for the rest of the world.

“The current rate of transmission in the 53 countries of the European Region is a serious concern,” said WHO regional head Hans Kluge, adding that the spread has been exacerbated by the Delta variant, which is more transmissible.

The virus spreads faster in the winter months, when people gather indoors. Kluge has previously warned that if Europe follows its current trajectory, there could be 500,000 Covid-related deaths in the region by February.