Russia reported 4,993 new cases of the coronavirus on Monday, bringing its nationwide tally to 995,319, the fourth largest caseload in the world.
DEATH TOLL ROSE TO 17,176
Russia’s coronavirus taskforce said 83 people had died over the last 24 hours, pushing the official death toll to 17,176.
Russia’s approved vaccine, called “Sputnik V” in homage to the world’s first satellite launched by the Soviet Union, has been hailed as safe and effective by Russian authorities.
But Western experts have been sceptical about Russia’s approval of “Sputnik V”, warning against its use until all internationally approved testing and regulatory steps have been taken.
RDIF, Russia’s sovereign wealth fund, said on Wednesday the final phase of clinical trials on “Sputnik V” were beginning.
It said 40,000 people would take part in the final trials and that similar trials would also be carried out in five other countries.