The Latest: Russia reports highest virus death toll of 2021

The Latest: Russia reports highest virus death toll of 2021

SeattlePI.com

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MOSCOW — Russia has reported its highest daily COVID-19 death toll of the year as the country grapples with a sharp spike in infections that has brought new restrictions in some regions.

The national coronavirus task force said Saturday that 619 people died over the past day, the most since Dec. 24. There were were 21,665 new infection cases, nearly 1,300 more than on the previous day and more than double the 9,500 reported on June 1.

More than a third of the new infections were in Moscow. The city on Monday is to begin a system under which restaurant service will be limited to people who can show they’ve been vaccinated or had a recent negative coronavirus test.

Eighteen regions made vaccinations mandatory this month for employees in certain sectors.

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MORE ON THE PANDEMIC:

— Finland sees spike in virus cases from returning soccer fans

— As virus surges in Uganda, hospitals accused of profiteering

— Mexico reopens temporary hospital space as virus surges

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Follow more of AP’s pandemic coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-pandemic and https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-vaccine

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HERE'S WHAT ELSE IS HAPPENING:

KAMPALA, Uganda — Virus cases are surging in Uganda, making scarce hospital beds even more expensive.

And concern is growing over the alleged exploitation of patients by private hospitals accused of demanding payment up front and hiking fees.

Uganda is among African countries seeing a dramatic rise in the number of infections amid a severe vaccine shortage. The country has vaccinated under 1% of its 44 million people.

One observer says that without a...

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