The Latest: Russian updates show more than 100K virus deaths

MOSCOW — Russia’s updated statistics on coronavirus-linked deaths show more than 100,000 people had died by December, a number much higher than previously reported by government officials.

A total of 116,030 people with the coronavirus died in Russia between April and November, according to data released Monday by Russia’s state statistics agency Rosstat. The count included cases where the virus was not the main cause of death and where the virus was suspected but not confirmed.

Also, Belarus and Argentina announced the start of mass coronavirus vaccinations with the Russian-developed Sputnik V shot. They are the first countries outside of Russia to roll out the vaccine that is still undergoing late-stage studies to ensure its safety and effectiveness. The first batch of Sputnik V arrived in Belarus. Argentina plans to start using the Russian vaccine on Tuesday.

Russia has been widely criticized for giving Sputnik V regulatory approval in August after the vaccine only had been tested on a few dozen people. This month, Russian authorities started mass vaccinations with Sputnik V, even though it is still undergoing late-stage trials.

___

THE VIRUS OUTBREAK:

— Hospitalizations in England exceed peak in spring

— Surge filling hospitals in California, where virus restrictions likely to be extended

— 5th candidate reaches final-stage testing in US, a crucial step to getting enough vaccines to protect world

— Mexico might allow private firms to buy, distribute vaccines after questions raised about centralized control

— Follow AP’s coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-pandemic,...