tass--2020-04-28--Only one third of Russians observes one-meter social distancing — poll

MOSCOW , April 28 .
/TASS/ .
Only 36 % of Russians comply with the government ’ s instructions to observe the one-meter social distancing , according to a survey by the Institute of State and Municipal Management of the Higher School of Economics .
The poll shows that 67 % of Russians opt for staying home more frequently , but use other preventative measures less often .
For example , 56 % of respondents wash their hands less often , while only 36 % observe social distancing .
`` The same 36 % of Russians said they had started @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 45 % of them shop less often , but only 8 % shop online more frequently , '' the survey said .
Russia ’ s sanitary watchdog Rospotrebnadzor instructed all citizens to observe the social distancing of one meter on April 1 .
‘ Once the restrictions are lifted , the majority of respondents plan to return to their normal life : 38.2 % of people dream of walks in fresh air , 32 % are looking forward to meet their relatives and friends , 26.4 % plan to return to their work @ @ @ @ @ @ @ And only 1.1 % want to keep working in the teleworking mode , '' the survey says .
Comemnting on the results of the poll , Member of the HSE Academic Council Andrey Zhulin said Russians `` are growing increasingly tired of restrictive measures . ''
`` Russians are looking forward to returning to normal life once the pandemic is over .
This attitude demonstrates positive expectations , based on the understanding that the current restrictions are necessary , but , at the same time , temporary , '' he said .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the form of an online survey among 11,100 respondents from all across Russia .
On March 11 , 2020 , the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic .
According to the latest statistics , over 3,000,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 207,000 deaths have been reported .
In addition , so far , over 882,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe .
To date , a total of 87,147 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia , with 7,346 patients having recovered from the virus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 794 fatalities nationwide .
Earlier , the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation .

MOSCOW, April 28. /TASS/. Only 36% of Russians comply with the government’s instructions to observe the one-meter social distancing, according to a survey by the Institute of State and Municipal Management of the Higher School of Economics.
The poll shows that 67% of Russians opt for staying home more frequently, but use other preventative measures less often. For example, 56% of respondents wash their hands less often, while only 36% observe social distancing.
"The same 36% of Russians said they had started to avoid public transport whenever possible. 45% of them shop less often, but only 8% shop online more frequently," the survey said.
Russia’s sanitary watchdog Rospotrebnadzor instructed all citizens to observe the social distancing of one meter on April 1.
‘Once the restrictions are lifted, the majority of respondents plan to return to their normal life: 38.2% of people dream of walks in fresh air, 32% are looking forward to meet their relatives and friends, 26.4% plan to return to their work. 1.2% plan to divorce. And only 1.1% want to keep working in the teleworking mode," the survey says.
Comemnting on the results of the poll, Member of the HSE Academic Council Andrey Zhulin said Russians "are growing increasingly tired of restrictive measures."
"Russians are looking forward to returning to normal life once the pandemic is over. This attitude demonstrates positive expectations, based on the understanding that the current restrictions are necessary, but, at the same time, temporary," he said.
The research was conducted on April 18-20, in the form of an online survey among 11,100 respondents from all across Russia.
On March 11, 2020, the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic. According to the latest statistics, over 3,000,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 207,000 deaths have been reported. In addition, so far, over 882,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe.
To date, a total of 87,147 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 7,346 patients having recovered from the virus. Russia’s latest data indicates 794 fatalities nationwide. Earlier, the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation.


tass--2020-04-28--Number of Russian servicemen who contracted novel coronavirus rises to 901 — ministry

MOSCOW , April 28 .
/TASS/ .
The number of novel coronavirus cases among Russian servicemen has grown to 901 in the past 24 hours , the Russian Defense Ministry said in its daily bulletin .
As of April 26 , a total of 847 cases were reported in the Russian armed forces .
`` In the course of full-on testing in the Russian armed forces between March and April 27 , a total of 901 servicemen tested positive , '' the ministry said .
`` Two people are in serious condition , one of them requires ventilation and was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ moderate condition .
The rest displayed no symptoms . ''
A total of 324 patients are undergoing treatment in the Defense Ministry ’ s hospitals , 176 - in healthcare facilities at their places of work , six have been admitted to civilian hospitals .
Another 395 people were placed in isolation at home .
Besides , the number of coronavirus-infected servicemen , cadets and students at the Defense Ministry ’ s higher education facilities increased from 779 to 963 in the past 24 hours .
The ministry ’ s pre-university educational facilities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tested positive for the novel coronavirus .
On top of that , 254 civilian specialists employed with the defense ministry have contracted the disease .

MOSCOW, April 28. /TASS/. The number of novel coronavirus cases among Russian servicemen has grown to 901 in the past 24 hours, the Russian Defense Ministry said in its daily bulletin.
As of April 26, a total of 847 cases were reported in the Russian armed forces.
"In the course of full-on testing in the Russian armed forces between March and April 27, a total of 901 servicemen tested positive," the ministry said. "Two people are in serious condition, one of them requires ventilation and was taken to hospital. Twelve are in moderate condition. The rest displayed no symptoms."
A total of 324 patients are undergoing treatment in the Defense Ministry’s hospitals, 176 - in healthcare facilities at their places of work, six have been admitted to civilian hospitals. Another 395 people were placed in isolation at home.
Besides, the number of coronavirus-infected servicemen, cadets and students at the Defense Ministry’s higher education facilities increased from 779 to 963 in the past 24 hours.
The ministry’s pre-university educational facilities reported that 271 teachers and students have tested positive for the novel coronavirus.
On top of that, 254 civilian specialists employed with the defense ministry have contracted the disease.


tass--2020-04-28--Libyan commander Khalifa Haftar says his forces assume leadership in country

CAIRO , April 28 .
/TASS/ .
The Libyan National Army ( LNA ) led by Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar assumes control of the country ’ s government , the LNA commander said in a video address to the nation late on Monday , according to Sky News Arabia .
`` The General Command of the armed forces assumes the governance of the country and announces the termination of the Skhirat agreement , '' he said .
`` Despite the heavy burden of responsibility , we accept the will of the people and the mandate they had delegated . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ establish permanent civic institutions in line with the people ’ s will .
`` People must have control over their fate and to choose their future by democratic means , '' Haftar said .
`` From the very first day , our goal was to protect the Libyan people ’ s will . ''
He claimed that the UN-brokered Skhirat agreement had put the country in peril , but `` has become a thing of the dark past . ''
The Skhirat Agreement , also known as the Libyan Political Agreement , was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ December 2015 .
It is based on the UN peace plan , that envisages the creation of the Government of National Accord and the Presidential Council .
Both bodies are based in Tripoli and are led by Fayez al-Sarraj .
On January 19 , an international high-level conference on Libya took place in Berlin , with at least ten heads of state and government attending the event including Russian President Vladimir Putin .
The conference ’ s final communique includes a call to ceasefire , as well as the call for foreign countries @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s affairs , while it also proposes creation of a single government and launch of reforms to restore statehood that was demolished by NATO almost ten years ago .
The conflict sides also agreed to establish a special ceasefire monitoring commission .

CAIRO, April 28. /TASS/. The Libyan National Army (LNA) led by Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar assumes control of the country’s government, the LNA commander said in a video address to the nation late on Monday, according to Sky News Arabia.
"The General Command of the armed forces assumes the governance of the country and announces the termination of the Skhirat agreement," he said. "Despite the heavy burden of responsibility, we accept the will of the people and the mandate they had delegated."
He pledged that LNA would seek to establish permanent civic institutions in line with the people’s will.
"People must have control over their fate and to choose their future by democratic means," Haftar said. "From the very first day, our goal was to protect the Libyan people’s will."
He claimed that the UN-brokered Skhirat agreement had put the country in peril, but "has become a thing of the dark past."
The Skhirat Agreement, also known as the Libyan Political Agreement, was signed in Morocco’s Skhirat in December 2015. It is based on the UN peace plan, that envisages the creation of the Government of National Accord and the Presidential Council. Both bodies are based in Tripoli and are led by Fayez al-Sarraj.
On January 19, an international high-level conference on Libya took place in Berlin, with at least ten heads of state and government attending the event including Russian President Vladimir Putin. The conference’s final communique includes a call to ceasefire, as well as the call for foreign countries to refrain from intervening in Libya’s affairs, while it also proposes creation of a single government and launch of reforms to restore statehood that was demolished by NATO almost ten years ago. The conflict sides also agreed to establish a special ceasefire monitoring commission.


tass--2020-04-28--Putin to hold video conference on coronavirus with heads of Russian regions

MOSCOW , April 28 .
/TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin will hold a video conference with heads of Russian regions on Tuesday to discuss novel coronavirus issues .
Although the Kremlin has chosen not to make any predictions on what measures might be announced at the meeting , governors expect anti-coronavirus restrictions to be extended further .
`` As far as the presidential level is concerned , a conference on anti-coronavirus efforts with the heads of the Russian administrative regions is being prepared [ for April 28 ] , '' Kremlin aide Dmitry Peskov told reporters , adding that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ take part in the meeting .
On Monday morning , Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin said Russia ’ s government would present to Putin in the near future possible options of changing the restrictive measures based on recommendations of experts .
Peskov , in turn , when asked whether the decision to extend the restrictions might be announced on Tuesday , replied : `` Let us wait for the conference and see . ''
A period of days off has been introduced in Russia due to the pandemic until April 30 , with various @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the regions for preventing the spread of the infection .
Earlier , Peskov announced that the Russian leader was expected to make new announcements regarding the coronavirus and related restrictions this week .
Vologda region governor , Oleg Kuvshinnikov , said on Sunday he expected Putin to extend the coronavirus lockdown measures `` at least until May 11 '' during the video conference with heads of Russian regions on Tuesday .
On the same day , Crimean head Sergei Aksyonov said that the president was expected to hear governors ’ reports .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out everyone , situation will be assessed and decisions at the federal level will be taken , '' he said .
In an interview to the Rossiya-24 TV channel , Russia ’ s chief sanitary official Anna Popova said she would not comment on possible measures , but the proposal to extend the nationwide self-isolation regime until May 12 was `` absolutely justified . ''
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said decisions would be made based on the current trend or on some short-term forecasts . ''
Middle-term or the long-term forecasts are hardly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now would be like a shot in the dark , '' he replied when asked for how long the self-isolation regime for Russian citizens could be extended .
He added that the removal of coronavirus-related restrictions will be gradual , but those measures are yet to be worked out .
In an interview with the Argumenty I Fakty daily newspaper , the presidential spokesman suggested that Russia was expected to reach a plateau in new coronavirus cases by mid-May and in June the situation will improve .
In `` a couple of months @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will fade away , Peskov said .
`` It seems to me that all this won ’ t last longer , '' he said , adding that in Italy and Spain the critical phase of the epidemic continued a month and a half at maximum .
Russian Deputy Prime Minister Tatyana Golikova , jointly with the head of Russia ’ s sanitary watchdog , Anna Popova , met with leading epidemiologists and virologists on April 24 .
According to Golikova , the proposed measures and strategies will be reported to the Russian president @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prime minister tasked the health ministry and other governmental bodies with preparing recommendations for Russian citizens about the need to observe all precautions throughout the upcoming May holidays .
Anna Popova voiced hope that the country could avoid a peak in coronavirus infections provided that citizens fully comply with the restrictions during the upcoming May holidays .
`` I hope very much and we are on this track that we won ’ t see any peak .
A peak is an explosion and we don ’ t have any explosion here .
This @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had set , and today we see that it is being fulfilled .
If only we don ’ t fail during the holidays .
Today this is a major risk .
This would bring us back to the point which we have passed , '' Popova , who heads the Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing , told the 'Moscow .
Kremlin .
Putin ' program on the Rossiya-1 channel .
In turn , Golikova said it was important to look at possible easing of the lockdown measures @ @ @ @ @ @ @ restrictions .
At the same time , `` it is important to explain to our citizens that the lifting of the restrictive measures depends on each one of us , on how we observe epidemiologists ’ recommendations , how strictly we obey by the preventive measures , '' she said .
Yuri Lobzin , director of the research and clinical center for children ’ s infectious diseases of the Russian Medical Biological Agency , said on Sunday it would be expedient to extend the coronavirus lockdown regime till May 12 .
Alexander Semyonov @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s research institute of epidemiology and microbiology of Russia ’ s Federal Consumer Rights Oversight Service , said it would make sense to extend the restrictions for the duration of a yet another incubation period of the novel coronavirus , which is about two weeks .
A detailed roadmap for gradual lifting of the coronavirus lockdown measures in Russia is being agreed and will soon be announced , he added .

MOSCOW, April 28. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin will hold a video conference with heads of Russian regions on Tuesday to discuss novel coronavirus issues.
Although the Kremlin has chosen not to make any predictions on what measures might be announced at the meeting, governors expect anti-coronavirus restrictions to be extended further.
"As far as the presidential level is concerned, a conference on anti-coronavirus efforts with the heads of the Russian administrative regions is being prepared [for April 28]," Kremlin aide Dmitry Peskov told reporters, adding that the heads of all Russian regions will take part in the meeting.
On Monday morning, Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin said Russia’s government would present to Putin in the near future possible options of changing the restrictive measures based on recommendations of experts.
Peskov, in turn, when asked whether the decision to extend the restrictions might be announced on Tuesday, replied: "Let us wait for the conference and see."
A period of days off has been introduced in Russia due to the pandemic until April 30, with various measures on citizens' self-isolation imposed in the regions for preventing the spread of the infection.
Timeframes discussed
Earlier, Peskov announced that the Russian leader was expected to make new announcements regarding the coronavirus and related restrictions this week. Vologda region governor, Oleg Kuvshinnikov, said on Sunday he expected Putin to extend the coronavirus lockdown measures "at least until May 11" during the video conference with heads of Russian regions on Tuesday. On the same day, Crimean head Sergei Aksyonov said that the president was expected to hear governors’ reports. "Once the head of the state hears out everyone, situation will be assessed and decisions at the federal level will be taken," he said.
In an interview to the Rossiya-24 TV channel, Russia’s chief sanitary official Anna Popova said she would not comment on possible measures, but the proposal to extend the nationwide self-isolation regime until May 12 was "absolutely justified."
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said decisions would be made based on the current trend or on some short-term forecasts." Middle-term or the long-term forecasts are hardly possible. Therefore, giving some timeframes now would be like a shot in the dark," he replied when asked for how long the self-isolation regime for Russian citizens could be extended.
He added that the removal of coronavirus-related restrictions will be gradual, but those measures are yet to be worked out.
In an interview with the Argumenty I Fakty daily newspaper, the presidential spokesman suggested that Russia was expected to reach a plateau in new coronavirus cases by mid-May and in June the situation will improve. In "a couple of months" the current hardships over the coronavirus will fade away, Peskov said. "It seems to me that all this won’t last longer," he said, adding that in Italy and Spain the critical phase of the epidemic continued a month and a half at maximum.
Recommendations for holidays
Russian Deputy Prime Minister Tatyana Golikova, jointly with the head of Russia’s sanitary watchdog, Anna Popova, met with leading epidemiologists and virologists on April 24. According to Golikova, the proposed measures and strategies will be reported to the Russian president.
Late last week, the Russian prime minister tasked the health ministry and other governmental bodies with preparing recommendations for Russian citizens about the need to observe all precautions throughout the upcoming May holidays.
Anna Popova voiced hope that the country could avoid a peak in coronavirus infections provided that citizens fully comply with the restrictions during the upcoming May holidays.
"I hope very much and we are on this track that we won’t see any peak. A peak is an explosion and we don’t have any explosion here. This was one of the goals that we had set, and today we see that it is being fulfilled. If only we don’t fail during the holidays. Today this is a major risk. This would bring us back to the point which we have passed," Popova, who heads the Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing, told the 'Moscow. Kremlin. Putin' program on the Rossiya-1 channel.
In turn, Golikova said it was important to look at possible easing of the lockdown measures because people had grown tired of the restrictions. At the same time, "it is important to explain to our citizens that the lifting of the restrictive measures depends on each one of us, on how we observe epidemiologists’ recommendations, how strictly we obey by the preventive measures," she said.
Yuri Lobzin, director of the research and clinical center for children’s infectious diseases of the Russian Medical Biological Agency, said on Sunday it would be expedient to extend the coronavirus lockdown regime till May 12.
Alexander Semyonov, deputy director of St. Petersburg’s research institute of epidemiology and microbiology of Russia’s Federal Consumer Rights Oversight Service, said it would make sense to extend the restrictions for the duration of a yet another incubation period of the novel coronavirus, which is about two weeks. A detailed roadmap for gradual lifting of the coronavirus lockdown measures in Russia is being agreed and will soon be announced, he added.


tass--2020-04-28--EAEU demonstrates solidarity amid pandemic, unlike EU - expert

MOSCOW , April 27 .
/TASS/ .
The Eurasian Economic Union ( EAEU ) has set an example of solidarity and team spirit amid the coronavirus pandemic , unlike the European Union , Timofei Borodachev , program director of the Valdai international discussion club , told TASS on Monday .
`` The economic and pandemic crisis has revealed a quite high level of trust between the EAEU nations .
Unlike the European Union countries , which have left each other to their own devices , neither of the EAEU nations has given any ground to be accused of pursuing a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ According to the expert , EAEU nations have been helping each other in the conditions of the crisis , both economically and medically .
`` Obviously , this crisis has demonstrated actual solidarity within the EAEU .
And once we have such solidarity , we should think of how to develop economic formats of cooperation , '' the analyst said .
According to Borodachev , more integration options will be in focus in the next three to four years , including possible admission of Uzbekistan and Tajiskistan .
Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ EAEU heads of government that the Eurasian Economic Union was ripe for a higher level of integration .

MOSCOW, April 27. /TASS/. The Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) has set an example of solidarity and team spirit amid the coronavirus pandemic, unlike the European Union, Timofei Borodachev, program director of the Valdai international discussion club, told TASS on Monday.
"The economic and pandemic crisis has revealed a quite high level of trust between the EAEU nations. Unlike the European Union countries, which have left each other to their own devices, neither of the EAEU nations has given any ground to be accused of pursuing a selfish policy," he noted.
According to the expert, EAEU nations have been helping each other in the conditions of the crisis, both economically and medically. "Obviously, this crisis has demonstrated actual solidarity within the EAEU. And once we have such solidarity, we should think of how to develop economic formats of cooperation," the analyst said.
According to Borodachev, more integration options will be in focus in the next three to four years, including possible admission of Uzbekistan and Tajiskistan.
Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin said earlier at a meeting of the EAEU heads of government that the Eurasian Economic Union was ripe for a higher level of integration.


tass--2020-04-28--Number of beds for coronavirus patients in Moscow to be increased to 28,000

MOSCOW , April 27 .
/TASS/ .
The bed capacity for coronavirus patients at Moscow ’ s hospitals will be increased to 28,000 in the coming days , Deputy Mayor of Moscow Anastasia Rakova said on Monday .
`` More than 20,000 beds are now receiving coronavirus patients , and we plan to increase the bed capacity to 27,000-28,000 in the coming days , '' she said in an interview with the Vesti news program on the Rossiya-1 television channel .
She recalled that anyone having symptoms of an acute respiratory viral disease is to be tested for the novel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tests positive , all who is living together with this person , all close relatives are also tested .
Relatives of those diagnosed with pneumonia are also tested for the coronavirus , '' she said .
She recommended anyone who feels sick to call a doctor who will decide whether to take this person to hospital or not .
It his or her condition is not serious , the patient will be given medicines and prescribed therapy and tested for the coronavirus .
Apart from that , according to Rakova , 47 computed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

MOSCOW, April 27. /TASS/. The bed capacity for coronavirus patients at Moscow’s hospitals will be increased to 28,000 in the coming days, Deputy Mayor of Moscow Anastasia Rakova said on Monday.
"More than 20,000 beds are now receiving coronavirus patients, and we plan to increase the bed capacity to 27,000-28,000 in the coming days," she said in an interview with the Vesti news program on the Rossiya-1 television channel.
She recalled that anyone having symptoms of an acute respiratory viral disease is to be tested for the novel coronavirus. "Once he or she tests positive, all who is living together with this person, all close relatives are also tested. Relatives of those diagnosed with pneumonia are also tested for the coronavirus," she said.
She recommended anyone who feels sick to call a doctor who will decide whether to take this person to hospital or not. It his or her condition is not serious, the patient will be given medicines and prescribed therapy and tested for the coronavirus.
Apart from that, according to Rakova, 47 computed tomography centers are operating round-the-clock in Moscow.


tass--2020-04-28--44 coronavirus-positive patients die in Moscow over past day — crisis center

MOSCOW , April 27 .
/TASS/ .
Forty-four more coronavirus-positive patients have died in Moscow in the past day , with the overall number of fatalities reaching 479 , the anti-coronavirus crisis center said on Monday .
`` Forty-four coronavirus-positive patients diagnosed with pneumonia have died in Moscow , '' it said .
The center once again called for strict observance of the lockdown regime .
A system of digital passes has been in force in Moscow for travels about the city , both by private vehicles or by public transport .
In late December 2019 , Chinese officials notified @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan , in central China .
Since then , cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe , including Russia .
On March 11 , 2020 , the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic .
According to the latest statistics , over 3,000,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 207,000 deaths have been reported .
In addition , so far , over 882,000 individuals have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
To date , a total of 87,147 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia , with 7,346 patients having recovered from the virus .
Russia ’ s latest data indicates 794 fatalities nationwide .
Earlier , the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation .

MOSCOW, April 27. /TASS/. Forty-four more coronavirus-positive patients have died in Moscow in the past day, with the overall number of fatalities reaching 479, the anti-coronavirus crisis center said on Monday.
"Forty-four coronavirus-positive patients diagnosed with pneumonia have died in Moscow," it said.
The center once again called for strict observance of the lockdown regime. A system of digital passes has been in force in Moscow for travels about the city, both by private vehicles or by public transport.
In late December 2019, Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization (WHO) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, in central China. Since then, cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe, including Russia.
On March 11, 2020, the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic. According to the latest statistics, over 3,000,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 207,000 deaths have been reported. In addition, so far, over 882,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe.
To date, a total of 87,147 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 7,346 patients having recovered from the virus. Russia’s latest data indicates 794 fatalities nationwide. Earlier, the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation.


tass--2020-04-28--Number of confirmed coronavirus cases worldwide reaches 3 million

MOSCOW , April 27 .
/TASS/ .
The overall number of confirmed novel coronavirus cases worldwide reached 3 million on Monday , according to TASS calculations based on official reports , as well as statements from experts and media .
Latest figures indicate that some 3,003,000 people have contracted the virus worldwide .
The death toll stands at approximately 207,800 , or nearly 6.92 % of those infected .
The benchmark of 1.5 million was reached on April 10 , and it took the figure approximately 18 days to double .
The majority of cases was registered in the United @ @ @ @ @ @ @ third of all infections .
According to the Johns Hopkins University , the country has 972,969 confirmed cases , and 5,66 % of them ( or 55,118 ) were fatal .
Spain is the runner up , with 229,422 confirmed cases and 23,521 deaths ( death rate 10.25 % ) .
Italy is third , with 199,414 confirmed cases and 26,977 deaths ( 13,43 % ) .
Russia is ranked ninth in the list of the worst-affected countries .
According to the federal anti-coronavirus crisis center , a total of 87,147 cases have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ patients have already recovered , while 794 died .
In late December 2019 , Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization ( WHO ) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan , in central China .
Since then , cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe , including Russia .
On March 11 , 2020 , the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic .

MOSCOW, April 27. /TASS/. The overall number of confirmed novel coronavirus cases worldwide reached 3 million on Monday, according to TASS calculations based on official reports, as well as statements from experts and media.
Latest figures indicate that some 3,003,000 people have contracted the virus worldwide. The death toll stands at approximately 207,800, or nearly 6.92% of those infected.
The benchmark of 1.5 million was reached on April 10, and it took the figure approximately 18 days to double.
The majority of cases was registered in the United States, which accounts for nearly one third of all infections. According to the Johns Hopkins University, the country has 972,969 confirmed cases, and 5,66% of them (or 55,118) were fatal. Spain is the runner up, with 229,422 confirmed cases and 23,521 deaths (death rate 10.25%). Italy is third, with 199,414 confirmed cases and 26,977 deaths (13,43%).
Russia is ranked ninth in the list of the worst-affected countries. According to the federal anti-coronavirus crisis center, a total of 87,147 cases have been registered in the country. 7,346 patients have already recovered, while 794 died.
In late December 2019, Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization (WHO) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, in central China. Since then, cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe, including Russia. On March 11, 2020, the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic.


tass--2020-04-28--Moscow doctors note improvements in coronavirus patients after plasma transfusion

MOSCOW , April 27 .
/TASS/ .
Moscow doctors observe significant improvements in novel coronavirus patients after transfusion of blood plasma from those who had already recovered , Moscow Deputy Mayor Anastasia Rakova said on Monday .
`` Doctors note obvious improvements in patients after donor plasma transfusion .
They see that , in fact , there have been no health complications , no side effects , and the disease takes a noticeably milder course , '' Rakova said in an interview with the Vesti TV channel .
She went on to say that this kind of treatment is used @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` We will face shortage of plasma , so we hope that the number of those who had recovered , and , therefore , the number of donors , would grow day by day , '' she added .
According to earlier reports , Muscovites who have recovered from the illness , are invited to become plasma donors .
This type of transfusion is believed to be one of the most efficient measures to combat the disease in the absence of a vaccine , and is being widely used in the United States @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The deputy mayor said the number of patients taken to Moscow ’ s hospitals with pneumonia had increased by 70 % over the past week .
`` The number of patients hospitalized with pneumonia has increased by 70 % over the week .
So , we can not say that we have any positive dynamics .
So far , we see a quite dynamic growth , which can not but cause certain alarm , '' she said in an interview with the Vesti news program on the Rossiya-1 television channel .
According @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as 45,351 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Moscow , with 3,524 patients having recovered and 435 fatalities .
The growth rate has been on decline for the past few consecutive days , amounting to 6.76 % on Monday .
A total of 3,524 people have already recovered from the illness .

MOSCOW, April 27. /TASS/. Moscow doctors observe significant improvements in novel coronavirus patients after transfusion of blood plasma from those who had already recovered, Moscow Deputy Mayor Anastasia Rakova said on Monday.
"Doctors note obvious improvements in patients after donor plasma transfusion. They see that, in fact, there have been no health complications, no side effects, and the disease takes a noticeably milder course," Rakova said in an interview with the Vesti TV channel.
She went on to say that this kind of treatment is used only for patients in critical condition.
"We will face shortage of plasma, so we hope that the number of those who had recovered, and, therefore, the number of donors, would grow day by day," she added.
According to earlier reports, Muscovites who have recovered from the illness, are invited to become plasma donors. This type of transfusion is believed to be one of the most efficient measures to combat the disease in the absence of a vaccine, and is being widely used in the United States, Germany, China and other states.
The deputy mayor said the number of patients taken to Moscow’s hospitals with pneumonia had increased by 70% over the past week.
"The number of patients hospitalized with pneumonia has increased by 70% over the week. So, we cannot say that we have any positive dynamics. So far, we see a quite dynamic growth, which cannot but cause certain alarm," she said in an interview with the Vesti news program on the Rossiya-1 television channel.
According to the latest update, as many as 45,351 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Moscow, with 3,524 patients having recovered and 435 fatalities. The growth rate has been on decline for the past few consecutive days, amounting to 6.76% on Monday. A total of 3,524 people have already recovered from the illness.


tass--2020-04-28--Novel coronavirus epidemic in Russia to be over by early summer — forecast

MOSCOW , April 28 .
/TASS/ .
The epidemic of the novel coronavirus infection in Russia will be almost completely over by early summer 2020 , according to an updated forecast by the Singapore University of Technology and Design ( SUTD ) .
SUTD researchers prepare such forecasts from countries hit by the coronavirus pandemic , using the widely known SIR mathematical model .
According to their forecast , the global coronavirus pandemic worldwide will be over by November .
As far as Russia is concerned , it is 97 % likely that the epidemic in Russia will be over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ likely - by June 4 .
In Italy , the epidemic is 97 % likely to be over by May 8 , in the United Kingdom - 99 % by May 28 .
In the United States , the end of the pandemic is expected by September 4 .
At the same time , SUTD stresses that all of its forecasts are theoretical and should be treated with caution .
It also says that readers should not be too optimistic about forecasts about the end of the pandemic , which are based on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time , President of the Russian Academy of Sciences Alexander Sergeyev told TASS that the SUTD research is worth looking at .

MOSCOW, April 28. /TASS/. The epidemic of the novel coronavirus infection in Russia will be almost completely over by early summer 2020, according to an updated forecast by the Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD).
SUTD researchers prepare such forecasts from countries hit by the coronavirus pandemic, using the widely known SIR mathematical model.
According to their forecast, the global coronavirus pandemic worldwide will be over by November.
As far as Russia is concerned, it is 97% likely that the epidemic in Russia will be over by May 24, and 99% likely - by June 4.
In Italy, the epidemic is 97% likely to be over by May 8, in the United Kingdom - 99% by May 28. In the United States, the end of the pandemic is expected by September 4.
At the same time, SUTD stresses that all of its forecasts are theoretical and should be treated with caution. It also says that readers should not be too optimistic about forecasts about the end of the pandemic, which are based on similar theoretical models.
At the same time, President of the Russian Academy of Sciences Alexander Sergeyev told TASS that the SUTD research is worth looking at.


tass--2020-04-28--Pakistan wants to attract more Russian investment — ambassador

MOSCOW , April 27 .
/TASS/ .
Pakistan is interested in increasing the volume of investment from Russia , the country ’ s ambassador to Russia Shafqat Ali Khan told TASS on Monday .
In his opinion , bilateral trade and the economic sector in bilateral relations in general was `` growing but we are not satisfied , it has to grow much more . ''
`` There was an old legal dispute on our Soviet debt which was part of a litigation in Pakistan , which prevented Russian investments in Pakistan .
Last year we resolved that problem .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
So now we are ready to take off in the commercial and investment field , '' he said .
`` We think we can invest much more in one of our top priorities in our foreign policy - strong relations with Russia , '' he continued .
`` And we are sure that much more can be achieved , and there are many opportunities for win-win cooperation of Pakistan and Russia in these strong relationship . ''
In his words , Islamabad is also looking forward to extending people-to-people contacts between the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to benefit from the excellent higher education opportunities available in Russian Federation for Pakistani students , '' he said .
`` We want more and more Pakistani students to receive higher education in Russia . ''
The ambassador stressed that the development of relations with Moscow remains among Pakistan ’ s foreign policy priorities .
In his opinion , `` Pakistan - Russia relationships are at the historically the strongest point '' at the moment .
`` Fundamentally I would not be overstating we don ’ t have big problems in our relations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some issue there .
It is a very friendly and deep cooperative relationship , '' he said .
Khan said that this year , the speaker of Pakistan ’ s National Assembly was scheduled to visit Russia on the invitation of his Russian counterpart , Speaker of the Russian State Duma Vyacheslav Volodin .
However , the visit did not take place due to the novel coronavirus pandemic .

MOSCOW, April 27. /TASS/. Pakistan is interested in increasing the volume of investment from Russia, the country’s ambassador to Russia Shafqat Ali Khan told TASS on Monday.
In his opinion, bilateral trade and the economic sector in bilateral relations in general was "growing but we are not satisfied, it has to grow much more."
"There was an old legal dispute on our Soviet debt which was part of a litigation in Pakistan, which prevented Russian investments in Pakistan. Last year we resolved that problem. So that problem was taken care off. So now we are ready to take off in the commercial and investment field," he said.
"We think we can invest much more in one of our top priorities in our foreign policy - strong relations with Russia," he continued. "And we are sure that much more can be achieved, and there are many opportunities for win-win cooperation of Pakistan and Russia in these strong relationship."
In his words, Islamabad is also looking forward to extending people-to-people contacts between the two nations.
"Particularly we want to benefit from the excellent higher education opportunities available in Russian Federation for Pakistani students," he said. "We want more and more Pakistani students to receive higher education in Russia."
The ambassador stressed that the development of relations with Moscow remains among Pakistan’s foreign policy priorities. In his opinion, "Pakistan - Russia relationships are at the historically the strongest point" at the moment.
"Fundamentally I would not be overstating we don’t have big problems in our relations maybe some minor commercial dispute here or some issue there. It is a very friendly and deep cooperative relationship," he said.
Khan said that this year, the speaker of Pakistan’s National Assembly was scheduled to visit Russia on the invitation of his Russian counterpart, Speaker of the Russian State Duma Vyacheslav Volodin. However, the visit did not take place due to the novel coronavirus pandemic.


tass--2020-04-27--US unable to create coalition to demand compensation for pandemic from China — analyst

US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo on April 24 said that Washington was trying to persuade the authorities of other countries that Beijing had allegedly concealed some information about the novel coronavirus .
MOSCOW , April 27 .
/TASS/ .
The United States will fail to create an international coalition that might demand from China a material compensation for the effects of the coronavirus pandemic , because Washington ’ s allies are reluctant to spoil relations with Beijing , the research director of the international discussion club Valdai , Fyodor Lukyanov , told TASS on Monday .
`` Attempts to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ measures against China in connection with the spread of the coronavirus will fail .
Those countries which are the United States ’ allies in other organizations , for instance , in NATO , do support questions and calls being heard from Washington and the demand for explaining in greater detail the causes and origin of the coronavirus , '' Lukyanov said .
`` But I have very big doubts that somebody will join the United States in its attempts to put pressure on China materially by means of various embargoes .
The European @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like to keep aloof from the Chinese-US standoff so as not to become hostages of this confrontation . ''
Lukyanov believes though that in the US the trend to file lawsuits against China seeking compensations for the effects of the pandemic will turn massive .
In his opinion nobody should feel surprise over Washington ’ s criticism against Beijing , because the pandemic has not eased the confrontation between the two countries , but shifted it into higher gear .
Moreover , the White House hopes this rhetoric will relieve it of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crisis on the United States and put the blame on an external adversary , China , Lukyanov said .
Also , the reproaches against China sounded like a rebuke addressed to the Democrats .
`` The Republicans argue that it was the Democratic Party and the [ Barack Obama-led ] Democratic administration that let China grow strong .
In their opinion , China has been taking too much liberties , because Obama pursued a sluggish policy , '' Lukyanov said .
`` The current US leader , Donald Trump , resorted to harsh @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
So it is the Democrats who are to blame for letting China being so defiant .

US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo on April 24 said that Washington was trying to persuade the authorities of other countries that Beijing had allegedly concealed some information about the novel coronavirus.
MOSCOW, April 27. /TASS/. The United States will fail to create an international coalition that might demand from China a material compensation for the effects of the coronavirus pandemic, because Washington’s allies are reluctant to spoil relations with Beijing, the research director of the international discussion club Valdai, Fyodor Lukyanov, told TASS on Monday.
"Attempts to create a coalition that might demand taking measures against China in connection with the spread of the coronavirus will fail. Those countries which are the United States’ allies in other organizations, for instance, in NATO, do support questions and calls being heard from Washington and the demand for explaining in greater detail the causes and origin of the coronavirus," Lukyanov said. "But I have very big doubts that somebody will join the United States in its attempts to put pressure on China materially by means of various embargoes. The European countries are afraid of China and would like to keep aloof from the Chinese-US standoff so as not to become hostages of this confrontation."
Lukyanov believes though that in the US the trend to file lawsuits against China seeking compensations for the effects of the pandemic will turn massive. In his opinion nobody should feel surprise over Washington’s criticism against Beijing, because the pandemic has not eased the confrontation between the two countries, but shifted it into higher gear. Moreover, the White House hopes this rhetoric will relieve it of the responsibility for the grave effects of the crisis on the United States and put the blame on an external adversary, China, Lukyanov said. Also, the reproaches against China sounded like a rebuke addressed to the Democrats.
"The Republicans argue that it was the Democratic Party and the [Barack Obama-led] Democratic administration that let China grow strong. In their opinion, China has been taking too much liberties, because Obama pursued a sluggish policy," Lukyanov said. "The current US leader, Donald Trump, resorted to harsh rhetoric when it was already too late. So it is the Democrats who are to blame for letting China being so defiant.
Background


tass--2020-04-27--Lavrov, OSCE secretary general discuss implementation of Normandy Four summit resolutions

MOSCOW , April 27 .
/TASS/ .
Issues of the implementation of agreements reached during the latest Normandy format summit @ @ @ @ @ of a telephone conversation between Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and OSCE Secretary General Thomas @ @ @ @ @ Ministry said on Monday .
`` The sides exchanged views on the results of the @ @ @ @ @ Contact Group in the context of the recommendation of the December 9 , 2019 summit @ @ @ @ @ Paris on concrete steps towards comprehensive implementation of the Minsk Package of Measures , '' @ @ @ @ @ to the ministry , Lavrov stressed the necessity of direct dialogue between the parties to @ @ @ @ @ compliance with the Minsk agreements .
The sides also discussed issues of the optimization of @ @ @ @ @ Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine in conditions of the coronavirus pandemic and touched upon practical @ @ @ @ @ OSCE and Russia .

MOSCOW, April 27. /TASS/. Issues of the implementation of agreements reached during the latest Normandy format summit in Paris were in focus of a telephone conversation between Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and OSCE Secretary General Thomas Greminger, the Russian Foreign Ministry said on Monday.
"The sides exchanged views on the results of the April 20-22 meeting of the Contact Group in the context of the recommendation of the December 9, 2019 summit of the Normandy Four in Paris on concrete steps towards comprehensive implementation of the Minsk Package of Measures," the ministry said.
According to the ministry, Lavrov stressed the necessity of direct dialogue between the parties to the Ukrainian conflict in full compliance with the Minsk agreements.
The sides also discussed issues of the optimization of the work of the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine in conditions of the coronavirus pandemic and touched upon practical matters of cooperation between the OSCE and Russia.


tass--2020-04-27--Turkey will not launch major operation against militants in Idlib — analyst

Serious clashes with Hayat Tahrir al-Sham are not in Ankara ’ s interests in the area since the terrorist group `` rules the roost '' in Idlib , the expert opined MOSCOW , April 27 .
/TASS/ .
Local clashes between Turkish forces and militants in Syria ’ s Idlib province are possible , but a full-scale military operation is not in Ankara ’ s interests , the head of the Near and Middle East Center at the Russian Institute for Strategic Studies , Vladimir Fitin , told TASS in the wake of Turkey ’ s air strike against the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ al-Sham ( one of the names of Jabhat al-Nusra outlawed Russia ) .
`` Some local clashes are possible , of course .
But it is in Turkey ’ s interests to retain its foothold in Idlib , '' Fitin said .
`` Hayat Tahrir al-Sham rules the roost there , so Ankara is keen to avoid any major clashes with them . ''
Fitin said the air raid was `` one more episode of the overall turmoil . ''
He believes it will not have any considerable effects .
`` Lately , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ al-Sham , to make it change the name and give its members a more civilized disguise , different from the image of outspoken radicals they have been lately , '' Fitin explained .
Clashes in Idlib are regular , because `` there are too many armed groups of different sort , alongside Hayat Tahrir al-Sham . ''
`` I believe that everything will remain the way it has been all along , in particular in view of the pandemic and the general decline in major armed operations , '' Fitin stated .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 18 months since the achievement of agreements with Russia to separate the opposition from the terrorists in Idlib , but `` it has turned out either unable or had no intention to do so . ''
After the latest agreement concluded in March Turkey `` at least has taken several steps to show that it is trying to do something , '' but , according to the expert , it is very doubtful that it will manage to resolve the issue completely .

Serious clashes with Hayat Tahrir al-Sham are not in Ankara’s interests in the area since the terrorist group "rules the roost" in Idlib, the expert opined
MOSCOW, April 27. /TASS/. Local clashes between Turkish forces and militants in Syria’s Idlib province are possible, but a full-scale military operation is not in Ankara’s interests, the head of the Near and Middle East Center at the Russian Institute for Strategic Studies, Vladimir Fitin, told TASS in the wake of Turkey’s air strike against the positions of the terrorist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (one of the names of Jabhat al-Nusra outlawed Russia). "Some local clashes are possible, of course. But it is in Turkey’s interests to retain its foothold in Idlib," Fitin said. "Hayat Tahrir al-Sham rules the roost there, so Ankara is keen to avoid any major clashes with them."
Fitin said the air raid was "one more episode of the overall turmoil." He believes it will not have any considerable effects. "Lately, the Turks tried to reconfigure Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, to make it change the name and give its members a more civilized disguise, different from the image of outspoken radicals they have been lately," Fitin explained. Clashes in Idlib are regular, because "there are too many armed groups of different sort, alongside Hayat Tahrir al-Sham."
Read also Syrian air defense repelling missile attack near Damascus - agency


tass--2020-04-27--Pakistan mulls buying lung ventilators from Russia

According to the Pakistani diplomat , the current pandemic has become a serious challenge for the country ’ s healthcare system .
Thus , in his words , medics in Pakistan are still short of protective gear , despite the government ’ s efforts to resolve this problem .
Nevertheless , the country has managed to resolve the problem of masks and is now producing enough of them .
`` The hospitals are also evolving their standard operating procedures and protocols , '' he noted .
He said that the country is facing the problem of ventilators shortages and is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this situation .
`` But one challenge which still remains is ventilators , just like everywhere else in the world .
It is a challenge , which we are trying to deal with , '' he said .
`` Our Disaster Management authorities have started scouting the Russian companies for the purchases of ventilators .
They are working in terms of getting technical specs , the pricing quotations and everything . ''
MOSCOW , April 27 .
/TASS/ .
Pakistan ’ s Disaster Management Authority is looking at purchasing lung ventilators from Russian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pakistan ’ s Ambassador to Russia Shafqat Ali Khan told TASS on Monday .
`` But this is second-line issues : masks , ventilators and hospitalization .
The first line issue is public health and public awareness , mass awareness , '' he stressed , adding that much depends on how people observe sanitary recommendations , the thing Pakistani authorities are focusing on .
The ambassador said that his country so far doesn ’ t plan to ask Russia ’ s assistance but noted he has no doubts that Russia will extend a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We know if we have any specific request Russia will be the first country to offer assistance to us , '' he underscored .
`` As soon as the government decides that there is a particular thing we need we will come to the Russian government .
Because we are sure the Russian government will extend full support . ''
`` Russia and Pakistan have long-standing traditions of cooperation and Russia is one of our closest allies and friends and we consider Russia as a factor of stability in international system .
Not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' he said , adding that people in Pakistan still remember Russia ’ s assistance after the 2005 devastating earthquake and the 2010 floods .
According to the latest update , as many as 13,106 coronavirus cases were confirmed in Pakistan .
At least 2,866 patients have recovered and 272 have died .
The Pakistani government closed the country ’ s borders and suspended all domestic and international flights for a period from April 18 to 30 .
A lockdown regime was imposed .
In late December 2019 , Chinese officials notified @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan , in central China .
Since then , cases of the novel coronavirus — named COVID-19 by the WHO — have been reported in every corner of the globe , including Russia .
On March 11 , 2020 , the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic .
According to the latest statistics , over 3,000,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 207,000 deaths have been reported .
In addition , so far , over 882,000 individuals have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

According to the Pakistani diplomat, the current pandemic has become a serious challenge for the country’s healthcare system. Thus, in his words, medics in Pakistan are still short of protective gear, despite the government’s efforts to resolve this problem. Nevertheless, the country has managed to resolve the problem of masks and is now producing enough of them. "The hospitals are also evolving their standard operating procedures and protocols," he noted.
He said that the country is facing the problem of ventilators shortages and is trying to find a way out of this situation. "But one challenge which still remains is ventilators, just like everywhere else in the world. It is a challenge, which we are trying to deal with," he said. "Our Disaster Management authorities have started scouting the Russian companies for the purchases of ventilators. They are working in terms of getting technical specs, the pricing quotations and everything."
MOSCOW, April 27. /TASS/. Pakistan’s Disaster Management Authority is looking at purchasing lung ventilators from Russian companies amid the novel coronavirus spread, Pakistan’s Ambassador to Russia Shafqat Ali Khan told TASS on Monday.
"But this is second-line issues: masks, ventilators and hospitalization. The first line issue is public health and public awareness, mass awareness," he stressed, adding that much depends on how people observe sanitary recommendations, the thing Pakistani authorities are focusing on.
The ambassador said that his country so far doesn’t plan to ask Russia’s assistance but noted he has no doubts that Russia will extend a helping hand if need be. "We know if we have any specific request Russia will be the first country to offer assistance to us," he underscored. "As soon as the government decides that there is a particular thing we need we will come to the Russian government. Because we are sure the Russian government will extend full support."
"Russia and Pakistan have long-standing traditions of cooperation and Russia is one of our closest allies and friends and we consider Russia as a factor of stability in international system. Not just politically. But economically, strategically," he said, adding that people in Pakistan still remember Russia’s assistance after the 2005 devastating earthquake and the 2010 floods.
According to the latest update, as many as 13,106 coronavirus cases were confirmed in Pakistan. At least 2,866 patients have recovered and 272 have died.
The Pakistani government closed the country’s borders and suspended all domestic and international flights for a period from April 18 to 30. A lockdown regime was imposed.
In late December 2019, Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization (WHO) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, in central China. Since then, cases of the novel coronavirus — named COVID-19 by the WHO — have been reported in every corner of the globe, including Russia.
On March 11, 2020, the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic. According to the latest statistics, over 3,000,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 207,000 deaths have been reported. In addition, so far, over 882,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe.


tass--2020-04-27--Taimyr Nature Reserves plan to open visitor center on Putorana Plateau

KRASNOYARSK , April 27 .
/TASS/ .
Taimyr Nature Reserves will open the first visitor center on Lake Lama in autumn 2020 , the reserves ’ Director Konstantin Prosekin told TASS .
Lake Lama is located on the Putorana Plateau in the northern part of the Krasnoyarsk Region .
The area , which is home for many Red Data Book animals , remains understudied .
`` A cedar house for the visitor center is now being assembled in Krasnoyarsk , and as soon as the navigation begins , vessels will bring it for us to Norilsk , '' the director @ @ @ @ @ @ @ months to put the house up , and , if nothing stops us , we will open the visitor center and a guest complex by October . ''
The complex will be in Urvantsev Bay on Lake Lama .
The center will offer information on the nature reserve ’ s attractions , museums , guest houses , catering facilities , ecology paths and routes .
`` We are looking for volunteers to build the visitor center , but most likely only local residents will be able to participate , due to the pandemic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Anyway , we welcome people from any regions , hoping the situation will improve . ''
Taimyr Nature Reserves is Russia ’ s biggest conservation area , which appeared in 2013 , when three territories were united under one office .
Those nature reserves are Putorana , Big Arctic and Taimyr .
The total area is almost 12 million hectares .
The visitor center is being set up under Nornickel ’ s grant program , dubbed the World of New Opportunities .

KRASNOYARSK, April 27. /TASS/. Taimyr Nature Reserves will open the first visitor center on Lake Lama in autumn 2020, the reserves’ Director Konstantin Prosekin told TASS.
Lake Lama is located on the Putorana Plateau in the northern part of the Krasnoyarsk Region. The area, which is home for many Red Data Book animals, remains understudied.
"A cedar house for the visitor center is now being assembled in Krasnoyarsk, and as soon as the navigation begins, vessels will bring it for us to Norilsk," the director said. "We shall use summer months to put the house up, and, if nothing stops us, we will open the visitor center and a guest complex by October."
The complex will be in Urvantsev Bay on Lake Lama. The center will offer information on the nature reserve’s attractions, museums, guest houses, catering facilities, ecology paths and routes.
"We are looking for volunteers to build the visitor center, but most likely only local residents will be able to participate, due to the pandemic," the director said. "Anyway, we welcome people from any regions, hoping the situation will improve."
Taimyr Nature Reserves is Russia’s biggest conservation area, which appeared in 2013, when three territories were united under one office. Those nature reserves are Putorana, Big Arctic and Taimyr. The total area is almost 12 million hectares. The visitor center is being set up under Nornickel’s grant program, dubbed the World of New Opportunities.


tass--2020-04-27--Italian embassy in Russia disproves reports of Italy closing borders until end of 2020

MOSCOW , April 27 .
/TASS/ .
Italy has not discussed closing its state borders until the end of 2020 , the Italian embassy in Russia informed TASS on Monday due to the reports in various Russian media outlets of an alleged statement of intent by Italian officials .
The embassy pointed out that in an interview published in La Repubblica newspaper on April 25 , Italian Minister of Culture and Tourism Dario Franceschini said that `` the future of this issue will depend on how the epidemiological situation develops and on the decisions of separate states . ''
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plan the renewal of international tourist flow to Italy in the near future , which is why our country will have to concentrate more on domestic tourism , encouraging its citizens to get acquainted with Italian places of interest , '' the embassy explained .
`` Naturally , we hope that tourist trips to Italy from other states will resume as soon as possible : Russians have always had a special love for Italy , traditionally choosing Italy as their holiday destination . ''
The local outbreak of the novel coronavirus was detected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ north of the country , where the highest number of infections and deaths has been recorded .
The number of people infected with the virus in Italy has reached 197,675 , of whom over 26,644 have died and over 65,000 have recovered .
Italy introduced a strict quarantine starting March 10 .
Schools and other educational facilities have been closed , along with museums , theaters , cinemas , bars and restaurants .
The country suspended the production of non-basic necessities on March 22 .
The restrictive measures are in place until May @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In late December 2019 , Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization ( WHO ) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan , in central China .
Since then , cases of the novel coronavirus — named COVID-19 by the WHO — have been reported in every corner of the globe , including Russia .
On March 11 , 2020 , the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic .
According to the latest statistics , over 3,000,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 207,000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , so far , over 882,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe .

MOSCOW, April 27. /TASS/. Italy has not discussed closing its state borders until the end of 2020, the Italian embassy in Russia informed TASS on Monday due to the reports in various Russian media outlets of an alleged statement of intent by Italian officials.
The embassy pointed out that in an interview published in La Repubblica newspaper on April 25, Italian Minister of Culture and Tourism Dario Franceschini said that "the future of this issue will depend on how the epidemiological situation develops and on the decisions of separate states."
"So far, it is hard to plan the renewal of international tourist flow to Italy in the near future, which is why our country will have to concentrate more on domestic tourism, encouraging its citizens to get acquainted with Italian places of interest," the embassy explained. "Naturally, we hope that tourist trips to Italy from other states will resume as soon as possible: Russians have always had a special love for Italy, traditionally choosing Italy as their holiday destination."
The local outbreak of the novel coronavirus was detected in Italy on February 21 in the north of the country, where the highest number of infections and deaths has been recorded. The number of people infected with the virus in Italy has reached 197,675, of whom over 26,644 have died and over 65,000 have recovered.
Italy introduced a strict quarantine starting March 10. Schools and other educational facilities have been closed, along with museums, theaters, cinemas, bars and restaurants. The country suspended the production of non-basic necessities on March 22. The restrictive measures are in place until May 3. International tourism has been suspended.
In late December 2019, Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization (WHO) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, in central China. Since then, cases of the novel coronavirus — named COVID-19 by the WHO — have been reported in every corner of the globe, including Russia.
On March 11, 2020, the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic. According to the latest statistics, over 3,000,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 207,000 deaths have been reported. In addition, so far, over 882,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe.


tass--2020-04-27--Iran reports lowest number of daily COVID-19 cases in past 40 days

MOSCOW , April 27 .
/TASS/ .
Iran has documented 991 cases of the novel coronavirus in the country in the past 24 hours , which is the lowest figure in the past 40 days , the Iranian Health Ministry informed on Monday .
According to the ministry , the total number of patients with COVID-19 , a disease caused by the novel coronavirus , has reached 91,472 .
In the past 24 hours , 96 people died from the virus , with the total number of fatalities reaching 5,806 .
Iranian officials have begun to gradually lift restrictive measures @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pandemic .
According to official data , over two-thirds of the country ’ s residents have returned to work , and the ban on traveling around the country on a personal vehicle has been lifted .
The Iranian Health Ministry reported the first cases of the novel coronavirus in the country on February 19 .
All Iranian schools have been closed due to the spread of the infection , with many states restricting travel links with the republic .
Iran has released 100,000 prisoners , banning travel between its cities .
In late @ @ @ @ @ @ @ World Health Organization ( WHO ) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan , in central China .
Since then , cases of the novel coronavirus — named COVID-19 by the WHO — have been reported in every corner of the globe , including Russia .
On March 11 , 2020 , the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic .
According to the latest statistics , over 3,000,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 207,000 deaths have been reported .
In addition , so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the illness across the globe .

MOSCOW, April 27. /TASS/. Iran has documented 991 cases of the novel coronavirus in the country in the past 24 hours, which is the lowest figure in the past 40 days, the Iranian Health Ministry informed on Monday.
According to the ministry, the total number of patients with COVID-19, a disease caused by the novel coronavirus, has reached 91,472. In the past 24 hours, 96 people died from the virus, with the total number of fatalities reaching 5,806.
Iranian officials have begun to gradually lift restrictive measures, introduced due to the novel coronavirus pandemic. According to official data, over two-thirds of the country’s residents have returned to work, and the ban on traveling around the country on a personal vehicle has been lifted.
The Iranian Health Ministry reported the first cases of the novel coronavirus in the country on February 19. All Iranian schools have been closed due to the spread of the infection, with many states restricting travel links with the republic. Iran has released 100,000 prisoners, banning travel between its cities.
In late December 2019, Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization (WHO) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, in central China. Since then, cases of the novel coronavirus — named COVID-19 by the WHO — have been reported in every corner of the globe, including Russia.
On March 11, 2020, the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic. According to the latest statistics, over 3,000,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 207,000 deaths have been reported. In addition, so far, over 882,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe.


tass--2020-04-27--Russian embassy sends note to Czech Foreign Ministry over allegations in Czech media

PRAGUE , April 27 .
/TASS/ .
Russia ’ s embassy in the Czech Republic has delivered a note to @ @ @ @ @ against continuing ungrounded media allegations in respect of Russia and its diplomatic mission .
`` @ @ @ @ @ article in the Czech magazine Respekt , which actually accuses the Russian side of plotting @ @ @ @ @ municipal politicians .
The Russian embassy in the Czech Republic categorically denies such flagrant and @ @ @ @ @ embassy said in a commentary posted on its Facebook account .
The embassy stressed that @ @ @ @ @ grounds .
`` It is obvious that this article is part of the information campaign @ @ @ @ @ to discredit Russia and impose a hostile image of it on the Czech people , @ @ @ @

PRAGUE, April 27. /TASS/. Russia’s embassy in the Czech Republic has delivered a note to the Czech Foreign Ministry protesting against continuing ungrounded media allegations in respect of Russia and its diplomatic mission.
"We took note of an article in the Czech magazine Respekt, which actually accuses the Russian side of plotting assaults on lives of Prague municipal politicians. The Russian embassy in the Czech Republic categorically denies such flagrant and false allegations," the embassy said in a commentary posted on its Facebook account.
The embassy stressed that these allegations have absolutely no grounds. "It is obvious that this article is part of the information campaign launched in the Czech Republic to discredit Russia and impose a hostile image of it on the Czech people," it said.


tass--2020-04-27--Lavrov’s visit to Sofia postponed amid pandemic, says Foreign Ministry

`` The ministers agreed that a visit by Sergey Viktorovich Lavrov to Sofia , scheduled for April 27 , will take place after the epidemiological situation normalizes , '' the ministry said .
MOSCOW , April 27./TASS/ .
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov ’ s visit to Sofia initially scheduled for April 27 will take place after the coronavirus situation normalizes , the Foreign Ministry said in a report after Lavrov ’ s phone conversation with Bulgarian counterpart Ekaterina Zaharieva on Monday .
The sides also discussed fight against the spread of coronavirus and its effects , as well as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ international agenda .
The diplomats `` confirmed a mutual bid to maintain a high pace of political dialogue and to give a further boost to bilateral cooperation , including on major joint projects in the energy sector in line with the agreements achieved at the level of the two countries ’ heads of state and government , '' the Foreign Ministry stated .
The foreign ministers agreed to continue work on strengthening the contractual legal framework , `` including issues of social maintenance and status of military burial sites and memorials , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the 75th anniversary of Victory in World War II marked this year , '' it said .

"The ministers agreed that a visit by Sergey Viktorovich Lavrov to Sofia, scheduled for April 27, will take place after the epidemiological situation normalizes," the ministry said.
MOSCOW, April 27./TASS/. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s visit to Sofia initially scheduled for April 27 will take place after the coronavirus situation normalizes, the Foreign Ministry said in a report after Lavrov’s phone conversation with Bulgarian counterpart Ekaterina Zaharieva on Monday.
The sides also discussed fight against the spread of coronavirus and its effects, as well as key issues of Russian-Bulgarian relations and the international agenda. The diplomats "confirmed a mutual bid to maintain a high pace of political dialogue and to give a further boost to bilateral cooperation, including on major joint projects in the energy sector in line with the agreements achieved at the level of the two countries’ heads of state and government," the Foreign Ministry stated.
The foreign ministers agreed to continue work on strengthening the contractual legal framework, "including issues of social maintenance and status of military burial sites and memorials, which is especially important within the context of the 75th anniversary of Victory in World War II marked this year," it said.


tass--2020-04-27--Vladivostok summit enhanced cooperation between Moscow and Pyongyang — diplomat

`` The agreements reached at the DPRK-Russia summit meeting represent a clear milestone in intensifying the strategic cooperation for peace and security in the Northeast Asian region and the rest of the world , '' Im Chon Il said .
`` During the past one year , the peoples of the two countries have developed the bilateral relations in several areas such as politics , economy and culture by strengthening mutual support and cooperation in the common interests , overcoming the encountering difficulties and ordeals . ''
MOSCOW , April 27 .
/TASS/ .
The meeting between Russian President Vladimir @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Vladivostok in 2019 has helped strengthen cooperation between both states and preserve peace and security in Northeast Asia , North Korea ’ s Vice Foreign Minister Im Chon Il said in a statement published on the Facebook page of the Russian Embassy in Pyongyang on Monday .
The diplomat stated that during the summit , Kim Jong-un `` formed excellent personal relations with President Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin and laid solid foundations for further developing the strategic and traditional DPRK-Russia relations of friendship as befits the requirement of the new era . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ that in the conditions of the COVID-19 pandemic , Russia and the DPRK keep collaborating .
`` Even in the severe environment where the novel coronavirus infections are sweeping over the whole world , the two countries are closely supporting and cooperating with each other and increasing the cooperation for achieving genuine international justice at the UN and in other international arena . ''
The vice foreign minister stated that bilateral events marking important occasions will be held .
`` The two countries will further strengthen the long-standing bonds of excellent friendship and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two countries by jointly conducting various political and cultural events in a meaningful way on the important occasions including the 75th anniversary of the Korean Liberation and the 20th anniversary of the DPRK-Russia Joint Declaration , '' he added .
Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un met for the first time on April 25 , 2019 on Russky Island in Vladivostok .
The leaders discussed the prospects of bilateral relations and the situation on the Korean Peninsula .

"The agreements reached at the DPRK-Russia summit meeting represent a clear milestone in intensifying the strategic cooperation for peace and security in the Northeast Asian region and the rest of the world," Im Chon Il said . "During the past one year, the peoples of the two countries have developed the bilateral relations in several areas such as politics, economy and culture by strengthening mutual support and cooperation in the common interests, overcoming the encountering difficulties and ordeals."
MOSCOW, April 27. /TASS/. The meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un in Vladivostok in 2019 has helped strengthen cooperation between both states and preserve peace and security in Northeast Asia, North Korea’s Vice Foreign Minister Im Chon Il said in a statement published on the Facebook page of the Russian Embassy in Pyongyang on Monday.
The diplomat stated that during the summit, Kim Jong-un "formed excellent personal relations with President Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin and laid solid foundations for further developing the strategic and traditional DPRK-Russia relations of friendship as befits the requirement of the new era."
Besides, the North Korean diplomat noted that in the conditions of the COVID-19 pandemic, Russia and the DPRK keep collaborating. "Even in the severe environment where the novel coronavirus infections are sweeping over the whole world, the two countries are closely supporting and cooperating with each other and increasing the cooperation for achieving genuine international justice at the UN and in other international arena."
The vice foreign minister stated that bilateral events marking important occasions will be held. "The two countries will further strengthen the long-standing bonds of excellent friendship and sincere solidarity between the peoples of the two countries by jointly conducting various political and cultural events in a meaningful way on the important occasions including the 75th anniversary of the Korean Liberation and the 20th anniversary of the DPRK-Russia Joint Declaration," he added.
Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un met for the first time on April 25, 2019 on Russky Island in Vladivostok. The leaders discussed the prospects of bilateral relations and the situation on the Korean Peninsula.


tass--2020-04-27--Russia losing Arctic land from erosion on par with area of Liechtenstein, scientists say

MOSCOW , April 27 .
/TASS/ .
Russia is shedding up to 10 meters of its Arctic Ocean ’ s coastline per year due to waves , winds and thawing permafrost amounting to annual losses the size of the territory of Liechtenstein , the press service of the Lomonosov Moscow State University ’ s Faculty of Geography said .
`` The Arctic Ocean ’ s shores , subject to thermal abrasion , are being eroded at the speed of 1 to 5 meters per year , and in certain cases up to 10 meters in a number of sections .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ several hundred square kilometers of its territory crumble away .
In terms of area , these losses are comparable to the size of a small European state , for example , such as the Principality of Liechtenstein , '' the press service quoted Stanislav Ogorodov , who heads the Laboratory of Geoecology of the North .
Geographers noted that almost all of the Russian Arctic ’ s coastline is in the permafrost zone , and along nearly half of its length , the shores are composed of permafrost soils with high ice content @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and in some areas in Eastern Siberia — up to 80-95 % .
It is in the coastal zone that icy frozen soils are exposed not only to the thermal effects of air and water , but also to sea waves .
At the same time , scientists found out that amid climate change in the summer , drifting ice goes further north , and the coastal area is freed from ice for a longer period .
As a result , the period of thawing of frozen soils and the mechanical impact @ @ @ @ @ @ @ An increase in the wave length ’ s acceleration , in turn , provides a growth in the height and duration of storm surges , further washing away the coast .
`` Climate change is a popular topic now .
One can often hear that as a result of the warming , permafrost degradation will occur extremely quickly , and we will face a catastrophic destruction of coasts at speeds of almost tens of meters per year .
Indeed , after 2005 , together with the ice cover in the Arctic basin thawing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ acceleration in the retreat of the permafrost-laden shores , and the erosion ledge formed in a number of previously stable areas and the shore ’ s active destruction has begun .
Yes , the speed of the destruction of the cryolithozone shores has accelerated , but we don ’ t see any disaster here , '' Ogorodov stated .

MOSCOW, April 27. /TASS/. Russia is shedding up to 10 meters of its Arctic Ocean’s coastline per year due to waves, winds and thawing permafrost amounting to annual losses the size of the territory of Liechtenstein, the press service of the Lomonosov Moscow State University’s Faculty of Geography said.
"The Arctic Ocean’s shores, subject to thermal abrasion, are being eroded at the speed of 1 to 5 meters per year, and in certain cases up to 10 meters in a number of sections. As a result, Russia annually sees several hundred square kilometers of its territory crumble away. In terms of area, these losses are comparable to the size of a small European state, for example, such as the Principality of Liechtenstein," the press service quoted Stanislav Ogorodov, who heads the Laboratory of Geoecology of the North.
Geographers noted that almost all of the Russian Arctic’s coastline is in the permafrost zone, and along nearly half of its length, the shores are composed of permafrost soils with high ice content — from 20% to 50%, and in some areas in Eastern Siberia — up to 80-95%. It is in the coastal zone that icy frozen soils are exposed not only to the thermal effects of air and water, but also to sea waves.
At the same time, scientists found out that amid climate change in the summer, drifting ice goes further north, and the coastal area is freed from ice for a longer period. As a result, the period of thawing of frozen soils and the mechanical impact of waves on the shore increases. An increase in the wave length’s acceleration, in turn, provides a growth in the height and duration of storm surges, further washing away the coast.
"Climate change is a popular topic now. One can often hear that as a result of the warming, permafrost degradation will occur extremely quickly, and we will face a catastrophic destruction of coasts at speeds of almost tens of meters per year. Indeed, after 2005, together with the ice cover in the Arctic basin thawing, our observations have recorded a noticeable acceleration in the retreat of the permafrost-laden shores, and the erosion ledge formed in a number of previously stable areas and the shore’s active destruction has begun. Yes, the speed of the destruction of the cryolithozone shores has accelerated, but we don’t see any disaster here," Ogorodov stated.


tass--2020-04-27--Whelan investigated by Russian special services several years before his arrest — attorney

MOSCOW , April 27 .
/TASS/ .
US citizen Paul Whelan , currently in custody in Russia on suspicion of espionage , was investigated by Russian special services several years before his arrest in late 2018 , his attorney Vladimir Zherebenkov informed TASS on Monday after a court session on his case .
Phone calls to US for Paul Whelan to be provided shortly — diplomat '' Witness examination suggests that Whelan was first investigated by Russian special services several years before his arrest .
Taking this into account , the criminal investigation of my client has the characteristics of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He noted that during Monday session , the defense had submitted all its evidence .
`` The next session is set for May 13 , '' Zherebenkov informed .
US citizen Paul Whelan , who also holds British , Canadian and Irish citizenship , was detained by the Russian Federal Security Service ( FSB ) on December 28 , 2018 in Moscow while on an alleged spy mission .
He was purportedly carrying a USB drive containing state secret information .
A criminal investigation was launched against him on espionage charges carrying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ behind bars .
Whelan denies all charges .
His defense stresses that the case is fabricated , while Whelan ’ s activity in Russia was of a strictly humanitarian nature .

MOSCOW, April 27. /TASS/. US citizen Paul Whelan, currently in custody in Russia on suspicion of espionage, was investigated by Russian special services several years before his arrest in late 2018, his attorney Vladimir Zherebenkov informed TASS on Monday after a court session on his case.
Phone calls to US for Paul Whelan to be provided shortly — diplomat
"Witness examination suggests that Whelan was first investigated by Russian special services several years before his arrest. Taking this into account, the criminal investigation of my client has the characteristics of a provocation," the attorney said.
He noted that during Monday session, the defense had submitted all its evidence. "The next session is set for May 13," Zherebenkov informed.
US citizen Paul Whelan, who also holds British, Canadian and Irish citizenship, was detained by the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) on December 28, 2018 in Moscow while on an alleged spy mission. He was purportedly carrying a USB drive containing state secret information. A criminal investigation was launched against him on espionage charges carrying a punishment of up to 20 years behind bars.
Whelan denies all charges. His defense stresses that the case is fabricated, while Whelan’s activity in Russia was of a strictly humanitarian nature.


tass--2020-04-27--Coronavirus situation in Russia may reverse in mid-May, expert says

`` If we stand these two weeks , if we continue to observe this social distancing , despite the negative emotions provoked by the self-isolation regime , we will have a chance to see a reverse tendency already by mid-May , '' he said in an interview with the Pozner program on TV Channel One .
MOSCOW , April 27 .
/TASS/ .
/TASS/ .
Two more weeks of the anti-coronavirus lockdown will help reverse the situation , Alexander Semyonov , deputy director of St. Petersburg ’ s research institute of epidemiology and microbiology of Russia ’ s Federal Consumer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He warned however that if a lot people violate the lockdown regime now , `` we may not reach a plateau in June . ''
He stressed that the lockdown measures are an objective necessity .
`` This is a part of responsibility each one of us must undertake , '' he stressed .
He explained why Russia has outstripped China in terms of the number of confirmed coronavirus cases .
Thus , in his words , it happened because restrictions in Russia are much milder than in China where capital punishment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some provinces .
`` I don ’ t mean to suggest such measures .
Most of our people understand the necessity of the [ lockdown ] measures , '' he said .
Another factor , in his words , is that Russia conducts more tests than China .
`` We have launched production of testing systems , have set up laboratories .
We are conducting more tests than China did .
It is highly likely that they had more cases .
After all , at least half of people develop either no or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In late December 2019 , Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization ( WHO ) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan , in central China .
Since then , cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe , including Russia .
On March 11 , 2020 , the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic .
According to the latest statistics , over 3,000,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 207,000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , so far , over 882,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe .
To date , a total of 87,147 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia , with 7,346 patients having recovered from the virus .
Russia ’ s latest data indicates 794 fatalities nationwide .
Earlier , the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation .

"If we stand these two weeks, if we continue to observe this social distancing, despite the negative emotions provoked by the self-isolation regime, we will have a chance to see a reverse tendency already by mid-May," he said in an interview with the Pozner program on TV Channel One.
MOSCOW, April 27. /TASS/. /TASS/. Two more weeks of the anti-coronavirus lockdown will help reverse the situation, Alexander Semyonov, deputy director of St. Petersburg’s research institute of epidemiology and microbiology of Russia’s Federal Consumer Rights Oversight Service, said on Monday.
He warned however that if a lot people violate the lockdown regime now, "we may not reach a plateau in June." He stressed that the lockdown measures are an objective necessity. "This is a part of responsibility each one of us must undertake," he stressed.
He explained why Russia has outstripped China in terms of the number of confirmed coronavirus cases. Thus, in his words, it happened because restrictions in Russia are much milder than in China where capital punishment is practiced for some serious crimes in some provinces. "I don’t mean to suggest such measures. Most of our people understand the necessity of the [lockdown] measures," he said.
Another factor, in his words, is that Russia conducts more tests than China. "We have launched production of testing systems, have set up laboratories. We are conducting more tests than China did. It is highly likely that they had more cases. After all, at least half of people develop either no or minor symptoms," he added.
In late December 2019, Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization (WHO) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, in central China. Since then, cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe, including Russia.
On March 11, 2020, the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic. According to the latest statistics, over 3,000,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 207,000 deaths have been reported. In addition, so far, over 882,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe.
To date, a total of 87,147 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 7,346 patients having recovered from the virus. Russia’s latest data indicates 794 fatalities nationwide. Earlier, the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation.


tass--2020-04-27--Metalloinvest CEO Varichev dies of pneumonia

Kremlin says decision on extending coronavirus lockdown to be made based on current pace KURSK , April 27 .
/TASS/ @ @ @ @ @ chief executive of the Russian metals company Metalloinvest , died at the age of 52 @ @ @ @ @ of the Governor of the Kursk Region Anastasia Gurina told reporters on Monday .
`` @ @ @ @ @ concerning the death of Andrei Varichev from pneumonia — TASS ] has just been confirmed @ @ @ @ @ said .
The top manager had died of pneumonia , the Forbes magazine reported earlier @ @ @ @ @ Varichev was the chief executive of Metalloinvest from 2013 .

Kremlin says decision on extending coronavirus lockdown to be made based on current pace
KURSK, April 27. /TASS/. Andrei Varichev, the chief executive of the Russian metals company Metalloinvest, died at the age of 52 of pneumonia, press secretary of the Governor of the Kursk Region Anastasia Gurina told reporters on Monday.
"This piece of information [concerning the death of Andrei Varichev from pneumonia — TASS] has just been confirmed to me," Gurina said.
The top manager had died of pneumonia, the Forbes magazine reported earlier, citing a source.
Varichev was the chief executive of Metalloinvest from 2013.


tass--2020-04-27--Coronavirus cases in Sweden rise to nearly 19,000

The death toll from the coronavirus in the country has climbed by 80 to 2,274 .
STOCKHOLM , April 27 .
/TASS/ .
The number of novel coronavirus cases in Sweden has risen by 286 over the past day to 18,926 , the country ’ s Health Ministry reported on Monday Another 1,353 people are in intensive care , including 1,002 men .
The majority of cases ( 7,378 ) and deaths ( 1,237 ) were registered in the capital .
The authorities insist that the epidemiological situation in the country is stable in general .
In compliance with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its borders for foreigners who do not live in the European Union .
The residents were requested not to hold meetings of more than 50 people .
The authorities also recommended high schools and universities to switch to distance learning .
Kindergartens , primary and secondary schools are still working .
Some regions were exempt from the quarantine , and shops and food service companies are still open .
In late December 2019 , Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization ( WHO ) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ China .
Since then , cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe , including Russia .
The fifteenth week of this year ( on April 6-12 ) broke the record for the number of fatalities in Sweden .
According to Sweden ’ s statistics agency , during this period 2,505 deaths were registered or 358 fatalities per day .
The highest mortality rate was recorded in the Stockholm region .
On March 13-April 19 , it was twice as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ past five years .

The death toll from the coronavirus in the country has climbed by 80 to 2,274.
STOCKHOLM, April 27. /TASS/. The number of novel coronavirus cases in Sweden has risen by 286 over the past day to 18,926, the country’s Health Ministry reported on Monday
Another 1,353 people are in intensive care, including 1,002 men. The majority of cases (7,378) and deaths (1,237) were registered in the capital.
The authorities insist that the epidemiological situation in the country is stable in general.
In compliance with the EU’s decision, Sweden closed its borders for foreigners who do not live in the European Union. The residents were requested not to hold meetings of more than 50 people. The authorities also recommended high schools and universities to switch to distance learning. Kindergartens, primary and secondary schools are still working. Some regions were exempt from the quarantine, and shops and food service companies are still open.
In late December 2019, Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization (WHO) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, in central China. Since then, cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe, including Russia.
The fifteenth week of this year (on April 6-12) broke the record for the number of fatalities in Sweden. According to Sweden’s statistics agency, during this period 2,505 deaths were registered or 358 fatalities per day. The highest mortality rate was recorded in the Stockholm region. On March 13-April 19, it was twice as much compared with similar periods over the past five years.