Coronavirus cases in Russia cross 700,000

By Elena Teslova

MOSCOW (AA) - The number of coronavirus cases in Russia crossed 700,000 on Wednesday, while the daily growth continues to hover at 6,000-plus for the 13th day in a row.

In the last 24 hours, another 6,562 infections were confirmed in the country, taking the tally to 700,792, with 217,614 active cases, 31% of the overall count, the country's emergency task force said in its daily report.

Over the same period, 8,631 more people were discharged from hospitals, bringing recoveries to 472,511, while 173 people died pushing the death toll to 10,667.

Russia continues widespread testing to identify new cases and detect how many people have developed antibodies after being exposed to the virus.

A first group of volunteers is also expected to finish clinical trials for one of several COVID-19 vaccines being tested in Russia on July 15.

In June, most lockdown measures were eased throughout the country, including the capital Moscow, while the Federal Air Transport Agency extended the ban on international flights until Aug. 1.

Russia has seen two epidemiological processes: the first in Moscow, which has passed its viral peak and the second in other regions, which has yet to.

Since originating in China last December, the pandemic has claimed over 544,400 lives in 188 countries and regions.

More than 11.83 million cases have been reported worldwide, while over 6.45 million patients have recovered so far, according to figures compiled by the US' Johns Hopkins University.