As Europe witnesses&nbsp;a surge in coronavirus cases, the World Health Organization&nbsp;(WHO) said today that Euro 2020 football matches need to be better monitored with several thousand spectators attending the games.

"We need to look much beyond just the stadia themselves," WHO's Catherine Smallwood said emphasising that authorities need to closely look at spectators when they arrive and leave the stadium.&nbsp;

Watch:

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COVID-19 cases have been on the rise in London and Saint Petersburg in Russia which are both high profile venues of Euro 2020.

London's Wembley Stadium is due to host the semi-finals and final of the tournament next week with St Petersberg set to host Switzerland vs Spain quarterfinal clash on Friday.

Russia has been experiencing a surge in virus cases with Saint Petersburg hit hard with the virus.

Saint Petersburg recorded 115 deaths in the last 24 hours as Russia reported 672 coronavirus deaths.

WHO's regional director for Europe Hans Kluge did not exclude the Euro 202O as a superspreader event, saying: "I hope not... but this can't be excluded."

"What we need to look at is around the stadia. How are people getting there? Are they travelling in large crowded convoys of buses? Are they taking individual measures when they are doing that?," Catherine Smallwood said.

Hans Kluge informed that that virus cases in Europe were on the rise once again after declining for two months as the continent battles the Delta variant.

Kluge added that the Delta variant has become the dominant strain in Europe while expressing&nbsp;doubts over the pace of vaccine rollout.&nbsp;

WHO's regional director said vaccines need to cover at least 80 per cent of the population however just 24 per cent of the region has been covered so far with the elderly and health workers still largely unprotected even as the virus spreads.

(With inputs from Agencies)

As Europe witnesses a surge in coronavirus cases, the World Health Organization (WHO) said today that Euro 2020 football matches need to be better monitored with several thousand spectators attending the games.

As Europe witnesses a surge in coronavirus cases, the World Health Organization (WHO) said today that Euro 2020 football matches need to be better monitored with several thousand spectators attending the games. "We need to look much beyond just the stadia themselves," WHO's Catherine Smallwood said emphasising that authorities need to closely look at spectators when they arrive and leave the stadium. Watch: COVID-19 cases have been on the rise in London and Saint Petersburg in Russia which are both high profile venues of Euro 2020. London's Wembley Stadium is due to host the semi-finals and final of the tournament next week with St Petersberg set to host Switzerland vs Spain quarterfinal clash on Friday. Russia has been experiencing a surge in virus cases with Saint Petersburg hit hard with the virus. Saint Petersburg recorded 115 deaths in the last 24 hours as Russia reported 672 coronavirus deaths. WHO's regional director for Europe Hans Kluge did not exclude the Euro 202O as a superspreader event, saying: "I hope not... but this can't be excluded." "What we need to look at is around the stadia. How are people getting there? Are they travelling in large crowded convoys of buses? Are they taking individual measures when they are doing that?," Catherine Smallwood said. Hans Kluge informed that that virus cases in Europe were on the rise once again after declining for two months as the continent battles the Delta variant. Kluge added that the Delta variant has become the dominant strain in Europe while expressing doubts over the pace of vaccine rollout. WHO's regional director said vaccines need to cover at least 80 per cent of the population however just 24 per cent of the region has been covered so far with the elderly and health workers still largely unprotected even as the virus spreads. (With inputs from Agencies)

WHO raises Euro 2020 monitoring issue amid virus surge in Europe

As Russia braces for the European Championship matches, virus cases continued to surge as authorities announced Ussuriysk and Vladivostok to have additional beds for coronavirus patients.

Saint Petersburg will be hosting big matches during the Euro 2020 imposed new restrictions ahead of the Russia vs Finland match on Wednesday with COVID-19 cases increasing.

Watch:

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The city had reported 865 fresh coronavirus cases as it sets out to host seven high profile matches during the month-long European Championships including the quarter-final.

Saint Petersburg's Gazprom Arena is set to be filled with 50 per cent capacity on Wednesday&nbsp;as authorities announced that no food will be served inside the stadium and cinemas theatres ordered to operate at 50 per cent capacity only in the city.

Russia has struggled to vaccinate citizens despite registering the Sputnik V vaccine in August last year.&nbsp;According to reports, Russia has vaccinated just 12 per cent of the population with the first dose of vaccine numbering just 18 million.

On Monday, the country had reported 13,721 new coronavirus cases as capital Moscow declared a four-day public holiday to contain the virus.

The country reported 371 deaths due to the virus in the last 24 hours on Monday worrying health officials. Moscow has become the epicentre of the virus with over 7,700 virus cases reported on Sunday.

Russia has recorded five million coronavirus cases and over 126,800 fatalities since the virus first took hold in the country last year.

(With inputs from Agencies)

As Russia braces for the European Championship matches, virus cases continued to surge as authorities announced Ussuriysk and Vladivostok to have additional beds for coronavirus patients.

As Russia braces for the European Championship matches, virus cases continued to surge as authorities announced Ussuriysk and Vladivostok to have additional beds for coronavirus patients. Saint Petersburg will be hosting big matches during the Euro 2020 imposed new restrictions ahead of the Russia vs Finland match on Wednesday with COVID-19 cases increasing. Watch: The city had reported 865 fresh coronavirus cases as it sets out to host seven high profile matches during the month-long European Championships including the quarter-final. Saint Petersburg's Gazprom Arena is set to be filled with 50 per cent capacity on Wednesday as authorities announced that no food will be served inside the stadium and cinemas theatres ordered to operate at 50 per cent capacity only in the city. Russia has struggled to vaccinate citizens despite registering the Sputnik V vaccine in August last year. According to reports, Russia has vaccinated just 12 per cent of the population with the first dose of vaccine numbering just 18 million. On Monday, the country had reported 13,721 new coronavirus cases as capital Moscow declared a four-day public holiday to contain the virus. The country reported 371 deaths due to the virus in the last 24 hours on Monday worrying health officials. Moscow has become the epicentre of the virus with over 7,700 virus cases reported on Sunday. Russia has recorded five million coronavirus cases and over 126,800 fatalities since the virus first took hold in the country last year. (With inputs from Agencies)

Russian regions announce fresh COVID-19 curbs amid surge in cases

A sunny weekend in Russia's Baltic port of St Petersburg lured big numbers of people out into the parks and recreation areas, in spite of the quarantine restrictions still in place in the country.

St Petersburg parks brimming on sunny weekend despite quarantine

Russian President Vladimir <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-activists-take-aim-at-president-putin-in-march-against-repression-275307">Putin </a>was taken by surprise after a woman candidly told him whether he could live on her income of $170 a month.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-speeds-up-russian-political-shake-up-details-new-power-centre-275623">Also Read: Putin speeds up Russian political shake-up, details new power centre&nbsp;</a>

Putin who was visiting Saint Petersburg was approached by the woman amid several people surrounding the president and asked: "Please tell me, is it possible to live on 10,800 rubles ($170)?"

"I think it's very hard," Putin said, to which the woman said: "Your pay is probably about 800,000 rubles, I imagine."

"Well yes," Putin replied and added that he does not have the highest salary. The woman continued to corner the president asserting that grocery store costs at least 1,000 rubles in Russia and utility bills were a flat 4,000 rubles.&nbsp;

"Of course you are right, we still have a lot of social problems that the government has to solve," the president told the woman.

"Why don't you solve them then?" the woman asked, to which the Russian president said: "We are solving them."

Russia has been hit by high food inflation in recent years, however, it has shown signs of levelling off but it has hit the common man on the street.

Food inflation which had fallen in 2018 rose five per cent at the end of the same year to recover at 3 per cent last year due to a good harvest but has fluctuated in the last several years leading to increased hardships for ordinary Russians.

Russian President Vladimir Putin was taken by surprise after a woman candidly told him whether he could live on her income of $170 a month. Also Read: Putin speeds up Russian political shake-up, details new power centre Putin who was visiting Saint Petersburg was approached by the woman amid several people surrounding the president and asked: "Please tell me, is it possible to live on 10,800 rubles ($170)?

Russian President Vladimir Putin was taken by surprise after a woman candidly told him whether he could live on her income of $170 a month. Also Read: Putin speeds up Russian political shake-up, details new power centre Putin who was visiting Saint Petersburg was approached by the woman amid several people surrounding the president and asked: "Please tell me, is it possible to live on 10,800 rubles ($170)?" "I think it's very hard," Putin said, to which the woman said: "Your pay is probably about 800,000 rubles, I imagine." "Well yes," Putin replied and added that he does not have the highest salary. The woman continued to corner the president asserting that grocery store costs at least 1,000 rubles in Russia and utility bills were a flat 4,000 rubles. "Of course you are right, we still have a lot of social problems that the government has to solve," the president told the woman. "Why don't you solve them then?" the woman asked, to which the Russian president said: "We are solving them." Russia has been hit by high food inflation in recent years, however, it has shown signs of levelling off but it has hit the common man on the street. Food inflation which had fallen in 2018 rose five per cent at the end of the same year to recover at 3 per cent last year due to a good harvest but has fluctuated in the last several years leading to increased hardships for ordinary Russians.

Tell me, is it possible to live on $170? Russian woman asks Putin

A Kremlin-backed candidate has been elected governor of Russia's second-largest city of Saint Petersburg, results showed Monday, but the opposition complained of vote fraud.

Alexander Beglov, who was previously acting governor and is a close ally of President Vladimir Putin, won 64.57 per cent of the vote with 97 per cent counted, the city's electoral commission said.

The acting governor was running against just two little-known candidates, who together won almost a third of the vote.

His main opponent had been Communist Vladimir Bortko, a prominent television and film director, who pulled out at the last moment, complaining that the result was pre-decided.

Thousands had rallied in the city after dozens of opposition candidates were unable to register to stand in the polls.

The opposition complained of electoral fraud during Sunday's vote, publishing interviews with voters who claimed they were paid to back candidates and images of ballot-stuffing.

The number of people listed as having voted also suddenly shot up in some polling stations, they said.

The head of Russia's central electoral commission, Ella Pamfilova, said Monday that Saint Petersburg was among the Russian cities that saw complaints to police over the actions of electoral officials.

A total of 17 observers were removed from polling stations on court orders in the city, she said, adding: "I don't like this situation."

"The authorities have managed to sneak Alexander Beglov in," said Boris Vishnevsky, a popular local politician for the Yabloko liberal party who was not permitted to stand as a candidate.

"It's obvious that these aren't elections but a farce."

Critics have derided Beglov as unqualified and gaffe-prone, ridiculing him for embarrassing jokes and missteps.

Russians on Sunday voted in local elections across the country with Moscow's municipal polls attracting the most controversy and resulting in losses for the ruling United Party.

A Kremlin-backed candidate has been elected governor of Russia's second-largest city of Saint Petersburg, results showed Monday, but the opposition complained of vote fraud.

A Kremlin-backed candidate has been elected governor of Russia's second-largest city of Saint Petersburg, results showed Monday, but the opposition complained of vote fraud. Alexander Beglov, who was previously acting governor and is a close ally of President Vladimir Putin, won 64.57 per cent of the vote with 97 per cent counted, the city's electoral commission said. The acting governor was running against just two little-known candidates, who together won almost a third of the vote. His main opponent had been Communist Vladimir Bortko, a prominent television and film director, who pulled out at the last moment, complaining that the result was pre-decided. Thousands had rallied in the city after dozens of opposition candidates were unable to register to stand in the polls. The opposition complained of electoral fraud during Sunday's vote, publishing interviews with voters who claimed they were paid to back candidates and images of ballot-stuffing. The number of people listed as having voted also suddenly shot up in some polling stations, they said. The head of Russia's central electoral commission, Ella Pamfilova, said Monday that Saint Petersburg was among the Russian cities that saw complaints to police over the actions of electoral officials. A total of 17 observers were removed from polling stations on court orders in the city, she said, adding: "I don't like this situation." "The authorities have managed to sneak Alexander Beglov in," said Boris Vishnevsky, a popular local politician for the Yabloko liberal party who was not permitted to stand as a candidate. "It's obvious that these aren't elections but a farce." Critics have derided Beglov as unqualified and gaffe-prone, ridiculing him for embarrassing jokes and missteps. Russians on Sunday voted in local elections across the country with Moscow's municipal polls attracting the most controversy and resulting in losses for the ruling United Party.

Kremlin candidate elected in Saint Petersburg, opposition cries foul

Russia urged against outside interference in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sudan-opposition-rejects-armys-offer-of-talks-death-toll-hits-101-224759">Sudan</a> on Thursday, saying it was important to bring about order in the crisis-hit country following a bloody crackdown on protesters.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/un-relocates-staff-from-sudan-death-toll-rises-to-108-224799">At least 108 people have been killed in Sudan</a> since paramilitaries moved in on a long-running sit-in outside army headquarters on Monday, &nbsp;an opposition-linked doctors' committee says.

In April, the military ousted president Omar al-Bashir following months of protests against his authoritarian rule.&nbsp;

But thousands of protesters remained camped out in front of army headquarters calling for the generals to cede power to a civilian government.

"We are against outside interference, one cannot impose something on the Sudanese," Mikhail Bogdanov, deputy foreign minister, told reporters in Saint Petersburg.

He said Russia was in touch with all political forces in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sudan-opposition-rejects-armys-offer-of-talks-death-toll-hits-101-224759">Sudan</a>, including the military and the opposition, calling for dialogue to resolve the crisis.

But Bogdanov also stressed the importance of "bringing about order" as well as the fight against extremists.

On Tuesday, China and Russia blocked a bid at the UN Security Council to condemn the killing of civilians in Sudan.

"The situation is rather complicated," Bogdanov said, quoted by Russian news agencies.

"We are in favour of all issues being solved within the framework of national dialogue, on the basis of consensus-based solutions."

He stressed the importance of a "transitional period which should end with elections."

Russia has been trying to expand its influence in Africa and said in January that it had sent "instructors" to Sudan, following reports of sightings of Russian-speaking soldiers in Khartoum.

The Central Committee for Sudanese Doctors said it holds the "militias" of the military council responsible for the deaths of the protesters.

Sudan's health ministry said "no more than 46" people died in the crackdown.

Russia urged against outside interference in Sudan on Thursday, saying it was important to bring about order in the crisis-hit country following a bloody crackdown on protesters.

Russia urged against outside interference in Sudan on Thursday, saying it was important to bring about order in the crisis-hit country following a bloody crackdown on protesters. At least 108 people have been killed in Sudan since paramilitaries moved in on a long-running sit-in outside army headquarters on Monday, an opposition-linked doctors' committee says. In April, the military ousted president Omar al-Bashir following months of protests against his authoritarian rule. But thousands of protesters remained camped out in front of army headquarters calling for the generals to cede power to a civilian government. "We are against outside interference, one cannot impose something on the Sudanese," Mikhail Bogdanov, deputy foreign minister, told reporters in Saint Petersburg. He said Russia was in touch with all political forces in Sudan, including the military and the opposition, calling for dialogue to resolve the crisis. But Bogdanov also stressed the importance of "bringing about order" as well as the fight against extremists. On Tuesday, China and Russia blocked a bid at the UN Security Council to condemn the killing of civilians in Sudan. "The situation is rather complicated," Bogdanov said, quoted by Russian news agencies. "We are in favour of all issues being solved within the framework of national dialogue, on the basis of consensus-based solutions." He stressed the importance of a "transitional period which should end with elections." Russia has been trying to expand its influence in Africa and said in January that it had sent "instructors" to Sudan, following reports of sightings of Russian-speaking soldiers in Khartoum. The Central Committee for Sudanese Doctors said it holds the "militias" of the military council responsible for the deaths of the protesters. Sudan's health ministry said "no more than 46" people died in the crackdown.

Russia says important to bring about order in Sudan

Thousands of school children, office workers and shoppers were evacuated from over 100 buildings in and around Moscow on Tuesday, reports said, in the latest wave of fake bomb threats to hit Russia.&nbsp;

Last week, 55 buildings were evacuated in Russia's second city Saint Petersburg and several other cities like Krasnoyarsk in Siberia and Volgograd in the south were forced to act after receiving similar threats.&nbsp;

Tuesday's alerts prompted the evacuation of some 20,000 people as authorities conducted sweeps, only to find nothing, news agencies reported, citing the emergency services. &nbsp;

The false alarms targeted more than 90 buildings in Moscow and over 40 in the region of the capital, the TASS state news agency reported, citing an emergency services source.

Many of the warnings were sent by email and had very similar wording, Russian media reports said.

Outside the Russian State University of the Humanities in central Moscow, hundreds of students had gathered, with the university saying it had cancelled all classes for the day due to a mass evacuation.

Thousands of school children, office workers and shoppers were evacuated from over 100 buildings in and around Moscow on Tuesday, reports said, in the latest wave of fake bomb threats to hit Russia.

Thousands of school children, office workers and shoppers were evacuated from over 100 buildings in and around Moscow on Tuesday, reports said, in the latest wave of fake bomb threats to hit Russia. Last week, 55 buildings were evacuated in Russia's second city Saint Petersburg and several other cities like Krasnoyarsk in Siberia and Volgograd in the south were forced to act after receiving similar threats. Tuesday's alerts prompted the evacuation of some 20,000 people as authorities conducted sweeps, only to find nothing, news agencies reported, citing the emergency services. The false alarms targeted more than 90 buildings in Moscow and over 40 in the region of the capital, the TASS state news agency reported, citing an emergency services source. Many of the warnings were sent by email and had very similar wording, Russian media reports said. Outside the Russian State University of the Humanities in central Moscow, hundreds of students had gathered, with the university saying it had cancelled all classes for the day due to a mass evacuation.

Fake bomb threats prompt mass evacuations in Moscow area

The Islamic State group claimed responsibility on Friday for the bomb attack days earlier that tore through a Saint Petersburg supermarket and wounded 14 people.

&quot;The attack that targeted a shopping centre in Saint Petersburg the day before yesterday (Wednesday) was carried out by an Islamic State-linked group,&quot; IS said in a statement via its propaganda agency Amaq.&nbsp;

On Wednesday evening, a homemade bomb placed in a locker at the supermarket in northwestern Saint Petersburg, Russia&#39;s second city and President Vladimir Putin&#39;s home town, went off sowing panic among customers and wounding 14 people including a pregnant woman.

Putin&#39;s 2015 decision to intervene in Syria militarily on the side of Bashar al-Assad has made Russia a priority target for the Islamic State group.

Officials said a total of 14 people had been wounded in the blast.&nbsp;

The bombing came after the FSB security service said earlier this month it had prevented a terror attack on a key Orthodox cathedral in Saint Petersburg with the help of America&#39;s CIA, which led Putin to thank US President Donald Trump.

FSB chief Alexander Bortnikov has said Russia remains on alert for a possible return of jihadists from Syria ahead of the World Cup and the March presidential polls.

Saint Petersburg will host several World Cup matches including a semi-final.

Earlier this month Bortnikov said that at least 4,500 Russians had left the country to fight with &quot;terrorists&quot; in the Middle East, North Africa and other regions.

Over the past 20 years Russia fought two wars with separatists in Chechnya, leading Islamist militants from the North Caucasus to frequently target Russians through suicide bombings and other attacks.

The Islamic State group claimed responsibility on Friday for the bomb attack days earlier that tore through a Saint Petersburg supermarket and wounded 14 people

The Islamic State group claimed responsibility on Friday for the bomb attack days earlier that tore through a Saint Petersburg supermarket and wounded 14 people. "The attack that targeted a shopping centre in Saint Petersburg the day before yesterday (Wednesday) was carried out by an Islamic State-linked group," IS said in a statement via its propaganda agency Amaq. On Wednesday evening, a homemade bomb placed in a locker at the supermarket in northwestern Saint Petersburg, Russia's second city and President Vladimir Putin's home town, went off sowing panic among customers and wounding 14 people including a pregnant woman. Putin's 2015 decision to intervene in Syria militarily on the side of Bashar al-Assad has made Russia a priority target for the Islamic State group. Officials said a total of 14 people had been wounded in the blast. The bombing came after the FSB security service said earlier this month it had prevented a terror attack on a key Orthodox cathedral in Saint Petersburg with the help of America's CIA, which led Putin to thank US President Donald Trump. FSB chief Alexander Bortnikov has said Russia remains on alert for a possible return of jihadists from Syria ahead of the World Cup and the March presidential polls. Saint Petersburg will host several World Cup matches including a semi-final. Earlier this month Bortnikov said that at least 4,500 Russians had left the country to fight with "terrorists" in the Middle East, North Africa and other regions. Over the past 20 years Russia fought two wars with separatists in Chechnya, leading Islamist militants from the North Caucasus to frequently target Russians through suicide bombings and other attacks.

IS claims Saint Petersburg supermarket bombing

Russian President Vladimir Putin today called an <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/10-injured-in-saint-petersburg-supermarket-bombing-27907">explosion that tore through a Saint Petersburg supermarket</a>, wounding 13 people, &quot;an act of terror.&quot;

&quot;As you know, an act of terror took place in Saint Petersburg yesterday,&quot; he said at a meeting of military officers in the Kremlin.

The homemade bomb went off in a locker at the supermarket yesterday, officials said.

Anna Mityanina, vice governor of Saint Petersburg, which is Russia&#39;s second city, said on Twitter that of the 13 wounded eight remained in hospital care. 
Five people declined to be hospitalised, she added.

The explosion occurred at around 1845 local time as Russians geared up to celebrate the New Year -- the country&#39;s biggest holiday -- followed by Russian Orthodox Christmas, which falls on January 7.

Officials earlier said 10 people had been injured, saying the bomb had the power equivalent to 200 grammes of TNT.

In a sign of the severity of the situation, the case was overseen by Russia&#39;s National Anti-Terror Committee even though authorities initially opened a probe into the attempted murder.

The committee said the explosion went off after &quot;a criminal placed an unidentified explosive device in a storage locker.&quot;

The blast comes after a suicide bombing killed 15 people and wounded dozens on the Saint Petersburg metro in April.

That bombing was claimed by a group linked to Al-Qaeda which said it was a message to countries engaged in war with Muslims, a veiled reference to Russia&#39;s military campaign in Syria.

Earlier this month Russia&#39;s FSB security service said it had arrested members of the Islamic State group who had planned to blow up the Kazan Cathedral, one of Saint Petersburg&#39;s most famous landmarks, among other crowded places.

The Kremlin has said that those attacks were prevented thanks to intelligence provided by America&#39;s Central Intelligence Agency.

Saint Petersburg, Russia&#39;s former Imperial capital, will host World Cup matches next year.

'As you know, an act of terror took place in Saint Petersburg yesterday,' Putin said at a meeting of military officers in the Kremlin

Russian President Vladimir Putin today called an explosion that tore through a Saint Petersburg supermarket, wounding 13 people, "an act of terror." "As you know, an act of terror took place in Saint Petersburg yesterday," he said at a meeting of military officers in the Kremlin. The homemade bomb went off in a locker at the supermarket yesterday, officials said. Anna Mityanina, vice governor of Saint Petersburg, which is Russia's second city, said on Twitter that of the 13 wounded eight remained in hospital care. Five people declined to be hospitalised, she added. The explosion occurred at around 1845 local time as Russians geared up to celebrate the New Year -- the country's biggest holiday -- followed by Russian Orthodox Christmas, which falls on January 7. Officials earlier said 10 people had been injured, saying the bomb had the power equivalent to 200 grammes of TNT. In a sign of the severity of the situation, the case was overseen by Russia's National Anti-Terror Committee even though authorities initially opened a probe into the attempted murder. The committee said the explosion went off after "a criminal placed an unidentified explosive device in a storage locker." The blast comes after a suicide bombing killed 15 people and wounded dozens on the Saint Petersburg metro in April. That bombing was claimed by a group linked to Al-Qaeda which said it was a message to countries engaged in war with Muslims, a veiled reference to Russia's military campaign in Syria. Earlier this month Russia's FSB security service said it had arrested members of the Islamic State group who had planned to blow up the Kazan Cathedral, one of Saint Petersburg's most famous landmarks, among other crowded places. The Kremlin has said that those attacks were prevented thanks to intelligence provided by America's Central Intelligence Agency. Saint Petersburg, Russia's former Imperial capital, will host World Cup matches next year.

Vladimir Putin calls Saint Petersburg blast 'act of terror'