Only 32% Russians of Russians are fully vaccinated against Covid. A lack of tough restrictions has allowed the virus to spread unchecked, the Kremlin continues to avoid the implementation of strict restrictions.

Russia records more than 33,000 more new Covid cases

Health clinics in Moscow have started&nbsp;administering booster vaccine shots against COVID-19 on Thursday, the city's mayor said, as Russian officials scramble to contain a surge in cases blamed on the highly infectious Delta variant. Soraya Ali reports.

Some residents in Moscow are gearing up to get their third COVID-19 vaccination shot, as&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;becomes one of the first countries in the world to begin re-vaccination.

The country’s health ministry recommended on Wednesday (June 30) that clinics begin giving booster doses to people vaccinated more than six months ago.

Russian officials are scrambling to contain a surge in cases blamed on the highly infectious Delta variant.

The health ministry called the campaign an emergency measure - as coronavirus cases in&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;sharply rise and vaccination rates remain low.

Muscovites had mixed opinions.

"I think it's better to get vaccinated than to tighten the restrictions. Otherwise, our economy will collapse, and then there will be nothing to save. It makes no sense."

"Many people don't get the flu vaccine either. Everyone should have their own opinion, everyone is responsible for their own health and does whatever is right for them. I believe that this (vaccination) shouldn't be done under pressure."

Russia&nbsp;has innoculated just 16 per cent&nbsp;of its population since launching its vaccination program in January.

That’s in part because of widespread distrust of the shot, even as the country developed its own vaccines.

Scientists behind the Sputnik V shot had previously said that protection lasts much longer than six months, maintained by memory cells.

However, scientists have also recommended booster doses to keep the number of protective antibodies in the body at a high level considering the rapid spread of the Delta variant.

Health clinics in Moscow have started administering booster vaccine shots against COVID-19 on Thursday, the city's mayor said, as Russian officials scramble to contain a surge in cases blamed on the highly infectious Delta variant.

Health clinics in Moscow have started administering booster vaccine shots against COVID-19 on Thursday, the city's mayor said, as Russian officials scramble to contain a surge in cases blamed on the highly infectious Delta variant. Soraya Ali reports. Some residents in Moscow are gearing up to get their third COVID-19 vaccination shot, as Russia becomes one of the first countries in the world to begin re-vaccination. The country’s health ministry recommended on Wednesday (June 30) that clinics begin giving booster doses to people vaccinated more than six months ago. Russian officials are scrambling to contain a surge in cases blamed on the highly infectious Delta variant. The health ministry called the campaign an emergency measure - as coronavirus cases in Russia sharply rise and vaccination rates remain low. Muscovites had mixed opinions. "I think it's better to get vaccinated than to tighten the restrictions. Otherwise, our economy will collapse, and then there will be nothing to save. It makes no sense." "Many people don't get the flu vaccine either. Everyone should have their own opinion, everyone is responsible for their own health and does whatever is right for them. I believe that this (vaccination) shouldn't be done under pressure." Russia has innoculated just 16 per cent of its population since launching its vaccination program in January. That’s in part because of widespread distrust of the shot, even as the country developed its own vaccines. Scientists behind the Sputnik V shot had previously said that protection lasts much longer than six months, maintained by memory cells. However, scientists have also recommended booster doses to keep the number of protective antibodies in the body at a high level considering the rapid spread of the Delta variant.

Moscow begins booster vaccine campaign as Russia's COVID-19 cases surge

The Kremlin&nbsp;said on Wednesday that&nbsp;Russian President Vladimir Putin had&nbsp;received two vaccine shots against COVID-19 in March and April after previously declining to disclose which vaccine he had taken.

Meanwhile,&nbsp;Putin said&nbsp;he was against mandatory vaccinations despite a surge in coronavirus infections in the country as well as sluggish inoculation rates.

"I do not support mandatory vaccinations," Putin told Russians during an annual phone-in, adding that he was vaccinated earlier this year with the country's homegrown Sputnik vaccine.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/why-anti-vaxxers-are-rushing-to-buy-fake-covid-19-jab-certificates-in-russia-393907">Why anti-vaxxers are rushing to buy fake COVID-19 jab certificates in Russia</a>

Russian authorities have blamed a recent surge in COVID-19 cases on the infectious Delta variant, which they say accounts for around 90 per cent&nbsp;of all new cases, and on the reluctance of many Russians to get vaccinated.

Moscow last week ordered mandatory vaccinations for service industry workers, after only about a million of its 12 million residents got shots in the six months they were available.&nbsp;A host of other Russian regions followed suit.

Also see |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-sputnik-1-to-sputnik-v-russian-scientific-achievements-375926">From Sputnik-1 to Sputnik V: Russian scientific achievements</a>

Russia&nbsp;last August stoked concerns over Sputnik V by registering the vaccine ahead of large-scale clinical trials, but international experts have since declared it safe and effective.&nbsp;

Many Russians are nonetheless wary, with some 60 percent saying they do not plan to be inoculated, according to independent polling.

That sentiment has helped foster a black market on Telegram and Russian darknet forums where dozens of dealers are claiming to sell fake jab certificates and even falsified registration on the government's vaccination database. While some clients complain of being defrauded, others have left reviews saying everything went as planned.&nbsp;

Russia, which has a population of around 144 million, has approved four domestically-made vaccines and recorded some 5.5 million infections since the start of the pandemic.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Kremlin said on Wednesday that Russian President Vladimir Putin had received two vaccine shots against COVID-19 in March and April after previously declining to disclose which vaccine he had taken.

The Kremlin said on Wednesday that Russian President Vladimir Putin had received two vaccine shots against COVID-19 in March and April after previously declining to disclose which vaccine he had taken. Meanwhile, Putin said he was against mandatory vaccinations despite a surge in coronavirus infections in the country as well as sluggish inoculation rates. "I do not support mandatory vaccinations," Putin told Russians during an annual phone-in, adding that he was vaccinated earlier this year with the country's homegrown Sputnik vaccine. Also read| Why anti-vaxxers are rushing to buy fake COVID-19 jab certificates in Russia Russian authorities have blamed a recent surge in COVID-19 cases on the infectious Delta variant, which they say accounts for around 90 per cent of all new cases, and on the reluctance of many Russians to get vaccinated. Moscow last week ordered mandatory vaccinations for service industry workers, after only about a million of its 12 million residents got shots in the six months they were available. A host of other Russian regions followed suit. Also see | From Sputnik-1 to Sputnik V: Russian scientific achievements Russia last August stoked concerns over Sputnik V by registering the vaccine ahead of large-scale clinical trials, but international experts have since declared it safe and effective. Many Russians are nonetheless wary, with some 60 percent saying they do not plan to be inoculated, according to independent polling. That sentiment has helped foster a black market on Telegram and Russian darknet forums where dozens of dealers are claiming to sell fake jab certificates and even falsified registration on the government's vaccination database. While some clients complain of being defrauded, others have left reviews saying everything went as planned. Russia, which has a population of around 144 million, has approved four domestically-made vaccines and recorded some 5.5 million infections since the start of the pandemic. (With inputs from agencies)

Putin received Russia-made Sputnik V coronavirus vaccine

Putin is alarmed by rising COVID-19 death rate in the country. He asks officials to bring the outbreak under control. As Russia is near about 2 million COVID-19 cases and becomes the country with the 5th highest number of coronavirus cases in the world.

Putin alarmed by rising COVID-19 death rate in Russia

Russia on Saturday recorded its highest daily death toll yet from the coronavirus while new cases fell to the lowest level in two weeks.

Russia is in second place in the world to the United States with 272,043 cases, with 9,200 new cases announced Saturday, the lowest number since May 2.

But the number of deaths announced Saturday for the last 24 hours was the highest yet in Russia, at 119.

Critics have cast doubt on Russia's low mortality rate, accusing authorities of under-reporting deaths in order to play down the scale of the crisis.

The total number of officially confirmed deaths is now 2,537, lower than a number of other countries with fewer cases.

Russian health officials say one of the reasons the count is lower is that only deaths directly caused by the virus are being included.

Authorities also say that since the virus came later to Russia, the country had more time to prepare hospital beds and launch wide-scale testing to slow its spread.

Russia on Saturday recorded its highest daily death toll yet from the coronavirus while new cases fell to the lowest level in two weeks. Russia is in second place in the world to the United States with 272,043 cases, with 9,200 new cases announced Saturday, the lowest number since May 2.

Russia on Saturday recorded its highest daily death toll yet from the coronavirus while new cases fell to the lowest level in two weeks. Russia is in second place in the world to the United States with 272,043 cases, with 9,200 new cases announced Saturday, the lowest number since May 2. But the number of deaths announced Saturday for the last 24 hours was the highest yet in Russia, at 119. Critics have cast doubt on Russia's low mortality rate, accusing authorities of under-reporting deaths in order to play down the scale of the crisis. The total number of officially confirmed deaths is now 2,537, lower than a number of other countries with fewer cases. Russian health officials say one of the reasons the count is lower is that only deaths directly caused by the virus are being included. Authorities also say that since the virus came later to Russia, the country had more time to prepare hospital beds and launch wide-scale testing to slow its spread.

Russia records highest coronavirus death toll since outbreak

At a time when concerns over a massive surge in coronavirus outbreak remain, Russia continued holding rehearsals for its Victory Day parade.&nbsp;

Russia's coronavirus tally so far stands at 6,342, a rise of 954 cases in the last 24 hours, its crisis response centre said on Monday. At least 47 people have died due to coronavirus in Russia.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-pm-boris-johnson-in-good-spirits-after-being-hospitalised-due-to-covid-19-290908">British PM Boris Johnson in 'good spirits' after being hospitalised due to COVID-19</a>

The Victory Day parade is scheduled for May 9 and France President Emmanuel Macron is amongst the world leaders who have been invited to mark the 75th anniversary of the end of second world war.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-korea-reports-fewer-than-50-coronavirus-cases-who-lauds-nations-response-290895">South Korea reports fewer than 50 coronavirus cases; WHO lauds nation's response</a>

The event holds significance for the Russian president who currently faces isolation largely by the&nbsp;West.&nbsp;

However, the preparations could worsen the COVID-19 situation in Moscow as the city remains the epicentre of the outbreak with 591 new cases.&nbsp;

Moscow is under lockdown since last week and many regions across the country have adopted similar measures to curb the spread.&nbsp;

In an online video, nearly 15,000 soldiers are seen present inside a parade ground outside Moscow, where Russia's defence ministry earlier confirmed it is organising rehearsals for the event.&nbsp;

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Video purportedly of Russian troops at the Victory Day Parade rehearsals in Alabino who aren't quite meeting the 1.5 meter social distancing requirement instituted by local officials.<a href="https://t.co/Zhut8EX9gt">https://t.co/Zhut8EX9gt</a> <a href="https://t.co/JIQLTPFUMQ">pic.twitter.com/JIQLTPFUMQ</a>
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&nbsp;

A new website was censured over claims of violating regulations of fake news after it reported that the parade might be cancelled in one Russian region due to COVID-19. &nbsp;

“May 9th is a sacred date for millions upon millions in Russia and CIS countries,” a foreign ministry handle wrote on Twitter.&nbsp;

“The Victory Day parade is scheduled (sanitary measures taken) and will march on Red Square.”

Victory Day is one of the most important events in Russia and the Western nations have given it a miss since 2014 after Russia annexed Crimea. The distances grew even more after Moscow's alleged meddling in the US elections and the poisoning of Russian intel officer Sergei Skripal in 2018 in Salisbury in the UK.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

At a time when concerns over a massive surge in coronavirus outbreak remain, Russia continued holding rehearsals for its Victory Day parade. Russia's coronavirus tally so far stands at 6,342, a rise of 954 cases in the last 24 hours, its crisis response centre said on Monday.

At a time when concerns over a massive surge in coronavirus outbreak remain, Russia continued holding rehearsals for its Victory Day parade. Russia's coronavirus tally so far stands at 6,342, a rise of 954 cases in the last 24 hours, its crisis response centre said on Monday. At least 47 people have died due to coronavirus in Russia. Also read | British PM Boris Johnson in 'good spirits' after being hospitalised due to COVID-19 The Victory Day parade is scheduled for May 9 and France President Emmanuel Macron is amongst the world leaders who have been invited to mark the 75th anniversary of the end of second world war. Also read | South Korea reports fewer than 50 coronavirus cases; WHO lauds nation's response The event holds significance for the Russian president who currently faces isolation largely by the West. However, the preparations could worsen the COVID-19 situation in Moscow as the city remains the epicentre of the outbreak with 591 new cases. Moscow is under lockdown since last week and many regions across the country have adopted similar measures to curb the spread. In an online video, nearly 15,000 soldiers are seen present inside a parade ground outside Moscow, where Russia's defence ministry earlier confirmed it is organising rehearsals for the event. Video purportedly of Russian troops at the Victory Day Parade rehearsals in Alabino who aren't quite meeting the 1.5 meter social distancing requirement instituted by local officials.https://t.co/Zhut8EX9gt pic.twitter.com/JIQLTPFUMQ — Rob Lee (@RALee85) April 2, 2020 × A new website was censured over claims of violating regulations of fake news after it reported that the parade might be cancelled in one Russian region due to COVID-19. “May 9th is a sacred date for millions upon millions in Russia and CIS countries,” a foreign ministry handle wrote on Twitter. “The Victory Day parade is scheduled (sanitary measures taken) and will march on Red Square.” Victory Day is one of the most important events in Russia and the Western nations have given it a miss since 2014 after Russia annexed Crimea. The distances grew even more after Moscow's alleged meddling in the US elections and the poisoning of Russian intel officer Sergei Skripal in 2018 in Salisbury in the UK.

Russia: Victory Day rehearsals continue despite coronavirus crisis

Moscow, with its more than 12 million people, went into lockdown on Monday while other parts of Russia moved to introduce similar steps to curb the coronavirus outbreak.

The enforcement of the strict new rules, which Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin suddenly announced late Sunday, coincided with the beginning of a "non-working" week declared by President Vladimir Putin.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-cases-cross-1500-mark-russia-starts-building-a-dedicated-covid-19-hospital-289468">As cases cross 1,500 mark, Russia starts building a dedicated COVID-19 hospital</a>

"The situation is certainly serious and everyone should take this very seriously," Putin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov said.

Moscow, which has become the epicentre of the contagion in Russia, announced the new measures after many Muscovites failed to heed recommendations to self-isolate and instead went to parks for barbecues at the weekend.

On Monday, Red Square in the heart of Moscow was eerily empty, while the streets of Europe's most populous city were quiet even though traffic could still be seen on the roads.

Patriarch Ponds, a popular central park, was deserted in the morning except for a lone woman walking her corgi. Police cars drove slowly through the streets, looking out for Muscovites breaking the rules.&nbsp;

Anna, a 36-year-old web designer living in south Moscow, said the lockdown would be hard for her and her five-year-old daughter.&nbsp;

"But I don't want Arina to get sick," she told AFP while on her way to buy some bread. "So of course we will observe the quarantine."

But some were in no hurry to take the new rules to heart. Three teenagers flouted social distancing rules, walking and laughing together.

"Staying home with our parents will kill us quicker than the coronavirus," said one teen as the others nodded.

Regions eye lockdowns&nbsp;

Muscovites are now only allowed to leave their homes in cases of a medical emergency, to travel to jobs judged essential, and to go to local grocery stores and pharmacies which need to enforce social distancing.

People are also allowed to take out the trash and walk their dogs.

Over the past 24 hours, Russia has recorded 302 new cases -- the biggest daily increase so far -- taking the national tally to 1,835 cases of coronavirus and nine deaths.

But the real number of infected people is believed to be higher and critics have rounded on authorities for not proposing tougher measures sooner.

At a government meeting, Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin asked regional authorities to prepare for Moscow-style lockdowns, saying it was important to pre-empt a major outbreak.

At least eight regions including the Western exclave region of Kaliningrad have already imposed or were preparing to impose strict quarantines.&nbsp;

Chechen strongman Ramzan Kadyrov was the first regional leader to announce a lockdown last week, banning non-residents from entering the once restive region.

Masked men in black uniforms were policing streets in Chechnya armed with white clubs, according to a video published by independent newspaper Novaya Gazeta.

In a rare televised address last Wednesday, Putin announced that Russians would not be required to go to work this week, but would still get paid.

He also postponed an upcoming public vote on constitutional reforms that would allow him to stay in power until 2036.

'Pray at home'&nbsp;

The powerful Russian Orthodox Church, which had initially said authorities had no right to close churches, finally fell into line on Sunday, with Patriarch Kirill calling on the faithful to pray at home.

"You can be saved without going to church," he told believers in an address.

The new isolation rules, which will be policed by a vast system of facial-recognition cameras in Moscow, came into force as Russia also closed its borders.

&nbsp;

Moscow, with its more than 12 million people, went into lockdown on Monday while other parts of Russia moved to introduce similar steps to curb the coronavirus outbreak.

Moscow, with its more than 12 million people, went into lockdown on Monday while other parts of Russia moved to introduce similar steps to curb the coronavirus outbreak. The enforcement of the strict new rules, which Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin suddenly announced late Sunday, coincided with the beginning of a "non-working" week declared by President Vladimir Putin. Also read | As cases cross 1,500 mark, Russia starts building a dedicated COVID-19 hospital "The situation is certainly serious and everyone should take this very seriously," Putin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov said. Moscow, which has become the epicentre of the contagion in Russia, announced the new measures after many Muscovites failed to heed recommendations to self-isolate and instead went to parks for barbecues at the weekend. On Monday, Red Square in the heart of Moscow was eerily empty, while the streets of Europe's most populous city were quiet even though traffic could still be seen on the roads. Patriarch Ponds, a popular central park, was deserted in the morning except for a lone woman walking her corgi. Police cars drove slowly through the streets, looking out for Muscovites breaking the rules. Anna, a 36-year-old web designer living in south Moscow, said the lockdown would be hard for her and her five-year-old daughter. "But I don't want Arina to get sick," she told AFP while on her way to buy some bread. "So of course we will observe the quarantine." But some were in no hurry to take the new rules to heart. Three teenagers flouted social distancing rules, walking and laughing together. "Staying home with our parents will kill us quicker than the coronavirus," said one teen as the others nodded. Regions eye lockdowns Muscovites are now only allowed to leave their homes in cases of a medical emergency, to travel to jobs judged essential, and to go to local grocery stores and pharmacies which need to enforce social distancing. People are also allowed to take out the trash and walk their dogs. Over the past 24 hours, Russia has recorded 302 new cases -- the biggest daily increase so far -- taking the national tally to 1,835 cases of coronavirus and nine deaths. But the real number of infected people is believed to be higher and critics have rounded on authorities for not proposing tougher measures sooner. At a government meeting, Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin asked regional authorities to prepare for Moscow-style lockdowns, saying it was important to pre-empt a major outbreak. At least eight regions including the Western exclave region of Kaliningrad have already imposed or were preparing to impose strict quarantines. Chechen strongman Ramzan Kadyrov was the first regional leader to announce a lockdown last week, banning non-residents from entering the once restive region. Masked men in black uniforms were policing streets in Chechnya armed with white clubs, according to a video published by independent newspaper Novaya Gazeta. In a rare televised address last Wednesday, Putin announced that Russians would not be required to go to work this week, but would still get paid. He also postponed an upcoming public vote on constitutional reforms that would allow him to stay in power until 2036. 'Pray at home' The powerful Russian Orthodox Church, which had initially said authorities had no right to close churches, finally fell into line on Sunday, with Patriarch Kirill calling on the faithful to pray at home. "You can be saved without going to church," he told believers in an address. The new isolation rules, which will be policed by a vast system of facial-recognition cameras in Moscow, came into force as Russia also closed its borders.

Moscow begins lockdown during tougher push to curb coronavirus

Russia has ordered restaurants, cafes and resorts closed from Saturday to fight the coronavirus outbreak but stopped short of insisting on a full-blown lockdown.

Russian regions are to "halt the activities of public food service organisations," except for delivery services, a government decree said on Friday.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-to-use-mobile-phones-to-track-people-at-risk-of-coronavirus-288076">Russia to use mobile phones to track people at risk of coronavirus</a>

The decree also ordered regional authorities to halt the work of hotels and resorts and other similar venues until June, and to recommend that Russians limit travel.

Speaking at a meeting of the country's anti-coronavirus task force, Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin said "harsh, even prohibitive measures are needed" to prevent the novel coronavirus from spreading at crowded places.

They are dictated by "the necessity to cut down on any movements" and to postpone any non-essential travel and avoid public, he said.

"Staying home right now is the most important thing for everyone."

President Vladimir Putin Wednesday declared a non-working week from March 28 to April 5 to stem the spread of COVID-19 as the number of coronavirus cases has spiked, particularly in Moscow.

He urged Russians to heed recommendations of healthcare professionals and government officials.

The nationwide measures were announced after Moscow mayor Sergei Sobyanin warned Putin the number of coronavirus cases was higher than official figures and requested that Muscovites -- especially those over 65 -- stay home and ordered restaurants and parks closed next week.

However, authorities have so far denied plans to enforce a strict lockdown similar to that in China or some European countries.

In the second city of Saint Petersburg, the faithful were banned from attending church services next week but there is no formal ban in Moscow.

The powerful Russian Orthodox Church said any such restrictions were unconstitutional.

Russia has also grounded all international flights from Friday.&nbsp;

Three people have died of the infection and 1036 have fallen ill, according to official statistics.

Russia has ordered restaurants, cafes and resorts closed from Saturday to fight the coronavirus outbreak but stopped short of insisting on a full-blown lockdown.

Russia has ordered restaurants, cafes and resorts closed from Saturday to fight the coronavirus outbreak but stopped short of insisting on a full-blown lockdown. Russian regions are to "halt the activities of public food service organisations," except for delivery services, a government decree said on Friday. Also read | Russia to use mobile phones to track people at risk of coronavirus The decree also ordered regional authorities to halt the work of hotels and resorts and other similar venues until June, and to recommend that Russians limit travel. Speaking at a meeting of the country's anti-coronavirus task force, Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin said "harsh, even prohibitive measures are needed" to prevent the novel coronavirus from spreading at crowded places. They are dictated by "the necessity to cut down on any movements" and to postpone any non-essential travel and avoid public, he said. "Staying home right now is the most important thing for everyone." President Vladimir Putin Wednesday declared a non-working week from March 28 to April 5 to stem the spread of COVID-19 as the number of coronavirus cases has spiked, particularly in Moscow. He urged Russians to heed recommendations of healthcare professionals and government officials. The nationwide measures were announced after Moscow mayor Sergei Sobyanin warned Putin the number of coronavirus cases was higher than official figures and requested that Muscovites -- especially those over 65 -- stay home and ordered restaurants and parks closed next week. However, authorities have so far denied plans to enforce a strict lockdown similar to that in China or some European countries. In the second city of Saint Petersburg, the faithful were banned from attending church services next week but there is no formal ban in Moscow. The powerful Russian Orthodox Church said any such restrictions were unconstitutional. Russia has also grounded all international flights from Friday. Three people have died of the infection and 1036 have fallen ill, according to official statistics.

Russia unveils new 'stay at home' measures to control coronavirus outbreak