Russia tightens virus restrictions as cases spike

MOSCOW: Russia on Tuesday tightened anti-coronavirus restrictions including mask-wearing in public spaces after registering a record daily spike in virus deaths.

According to the country's consumer safety regulator, face masks are to be worn in crowded areas, on public transport, in taxis and lifts from Wednesday.

Rospotrebnadzor also banned public events between 11 pm and 6 am, saying cafes and restaurants should be closed during this time.

On Tuesday, health authorities reported a record 320 deaths from the coronavirus over the past 24 hours.

Russia has the fourth-highest virus caseload in the world, with a total of 1,547,774 registered infections and 26,589 deaths.

Moscow remains the epicentre of the outbreak and earlier this month residents over the age of 65 were asked to stay at home.

At the beginning of the pandemic, Russia imposed one of the most severe nationwide lockdowns.

Non-essential businesses were shuttered and Moscow residents only permitted to move freely with official digital passes.

But most restrictions were lifted ahead of a large military parade in June and a nationwide vote on amendments that paved the way for President Vladimir Putin to remain in power until 2036.