Daily COVID-19 cases in Russia drop below 7,000

By Elena Teslova

MOSCOW (AA) - Russia reported on Friday the lowest daily growth in coronavirus cases since April 29.

The daily toll, -- 6,800 -- for the first time in almost two months fell below 7,000 in the country.

A total of 620,794 infections were registered in the country since the beginning of the pandemic, with active cases making up about third of this figure today, according to the country's emergency task force.

The death toll rose to 8,781, including 176 fatalities recorded over the last 24 hours, while recoveries increased by 8,988 to reach 384,152.

The Russian government continues relaxing restrictions. On Thursday, the entry of foreign workers was sanctioned by Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin.

Highly qualified foreign specialists who have a work permit in Russia will be able to enter the country if they have a valid employment contract or contract for the performance of works or services, which they have to show along with the passport while crossing the border.

The government also approved one more medical product for the treatment of the disease. The medication, Areplivir, showed efficiency in 90% of cases during clinical studies.

Since originating in China last December, the pandemic has claimed over 489,500 lives in 188 countries and regions.

More than 9.61 million cases have been reported worldwide, while over 4.84 million patients have recovered so far, according to figures compiled by the US' Johns Hopkins University.