Russia registered a total of 1,075 COVID-19 deaths on Saturday, a record high for the fifth consecutive day, as the authorities plan to close workplaces across the country and impose lockdown in the capital.

The country logged a record 37,678 fresh infections. Despite developing one of the first vaccines against COVID-19, only about one-third of Russia’s population has been vaccinated against the disease. This represents one of the lowest rates in Europe. Russian President Vladimir Putin has approved a shutdown of workplaces across the country in the first week of November. A partial lockdown will also be reimposed in Moscow, starting October 28, with only essential shops, including pharmacies and supermarkets, to remain open... (Reuters, October 23, 2021)