tass--2020-12-21--WHO calls on states to stop spread of mutated coronavirus strain

GENEVA , December 21 .
/TASS/ .
The World Health Organization ( WHO ) has called on states to take all possible measures to slow and then stop the spread of new , mutated types of the novel coronavirus detected in the UK and South Africa , WHO Spokesperson Tarik Jasarevic informed TASS on Monday .
`` Viruses change as they circulate , and these changes can lead to changes in characteristics of the virus .
Everyone must continue to take all actions to slow and eventually stop the spread of the virus , '' he said .
When asked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ temporary bans on air travel to and from the UK and South Africa , introduced by a number of states , including Switzerland , Yasarevic said : `` Decisions for travel restrictions are national decisions .
WHO recommends taking a risk based approach . ''
`` WHO is in close contact with health officials and scientists in the UK and South Africa about changes they have identified in the virus .
Analysis is ongoing to determine if these new variants pass between people more easily , cause more severe disease , or can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vaccines work , '' he added .
On December 14 , Britain ’ s Secretary of State for Health and Social Care , Matt Hancock , said British scientists had identified a new coronavirus strain that might be to blame for high infection rates in southeastern England .
Hancock said preliminary analysis indicated that the newly-discovered virus strain was spreading faster than any of those exposed previously .
Prime Minister Boris Johnson told an urgent news conference on Saturday that according to the current findings the new strain might be 70 % more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had not yet found any proof that the mutated virus was fraught with a greater risk of lethal outcome .

GENEVA, December 21. /TASS/. The World Health Organization (WHO) has called on states to take all possible measures to slow and then stop the spread of new, mutated types of the novel coronavirus detected in the UK and South Africa, WHO Spokesperson Tarik Jasarevic informed TASS on Monday.
"Viruses change as they circulate, and these changes can lead to changes in characteristics of the virus. Everyone must continue to take all actions to slow and eventually stop the spread of the virus," he said.
When asked about the WHO’s stance on temporary bans on air travel to and from the UK and South Africa, introduced by a number of states, including Switzerland, Yasarevic said: "Decisions for travel restrictions are national decisions. WHO recommends taking a risk based approach."
"WHO is in close contact with health officials and scientists in the UK and South Africa about changes they have identified in the virus. Analysis is ongoing to determine if these new variants pass between people more easily, cause more severe disease, or can have an impact on how tests or vaccines work," he added.
On December 14, Britain’s Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Matt Hancock, said British scientists had identified a new coronavirus strain that might be to blame for high infection rates in southeastern England. Hancock said preliminary analysis indicated that the newly-discovered virus strain was spreading faster than any of those exposed previously. Prime Minister Boris Johnson told an urgent news conference on Saturday that according to the current findings the new strain might be 70% more contagious. He added that British experts had not yet found any proof that the mutated virus was fraught with a greater risk of lethal outcome.


tass--2020-12-21--Kremlin views sanctions against Nord Stream 2 as elements of hybrid warfare

MOSCOW , December 21 .
/TASS/ .
Russian presidential spokesman , Dmitry Peskov agreed with the opinion of Russian businessman @ @ @ @ @ against Nord Stream 2 one of the elements of hybrid warfare .
`` In general @ @ @ @ @ him [ Deripaska ] .
This is indeed a variant of hybrid warfare , it @ @ @ @ @ war by the United States , '' Peskov said .
`` Let 's take the @ @ @ @ @ it is a pure hybrid war that goes on like a war accompanied by unfair @ @ @ @ @ .
At the same time , Peskov noted that `` the best answer would be @ @ @ @ @ interests of the Russian Federation that imply that the Nord Stream 2 project will be @ @ @ @ @ Telegram channel , Deripaska earlier described the sanctions as weapons of modern hybrid warfare and @ @ @ @ @ or directly attacking state borders .
The damage to civilian population , according to the @ @ @ @ @ .

MOSCOW, December 21. /TASS/. Russian presidential spokesman, Dmitry Peskov agreed with the opinion of Russian businessman Oleg Deripaska and called sanctions against Nord Stream 2 one of the elements of hybrid warfare.
"In general, we can agree with him [Deripaska]. This is indeed a variant of hybrid warfare, it is used as a hybrid war by the United States," Peskov said. "Let's take the sanctions against Nord Stream - it is a pure hybrid war that goes on like a war accompanied by unfair competition," he added.
At the same time, Peskov noted that "the best answer would be to respect and ensure the interests of the Russian Federation that imply that the Nord Stream 2 project will be finalized."
In his Telegram channel, Deripaska earlier described the sanctions as weapons of modern hybrid warfare and compared them to bombing cities or directly attacking state borders. The damage to civilian population, according to the entrepreneur, is even greater.


tass--2020-12-21--Russia officially denies involvement in hacker attacks on US institutions — Kremlin

MOSCOW , December 21 .
/TASS/ .
Moscow is not involved in hacker attacks on US government bodies and companies , Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Monday .
`` Russia is not involved in such attacks , namely this one .
We state this officially and firmly , '' he said .
According to the spokesman , `` any accusations of Russia ’ s involvement are absolutely baseless , they are more likely to be a continuation of blind Russophobia that is resorted to in case of any incident . ''
Peskov noted that the discussion of hacker @ @ @ @ @ @ @ United States , because it was the United States that fell victim to this hacker attack . ''
`` Definitely , this discussion has nothing to do with us , '' he stressed .
When asked about possible US initiatives in this situation , the Kremlin spokesman stated that `` lately , it has been hard to predict US actions . ''
Hacker attacks in the US It was reported earlier that the Orion software belonging to the SolarWinds company was hacked back in March 2020 .
The hackers were able to infiltrate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which was then uploaded and used by thousands of SolarWinds clients , including leading US government institutions and over 400 major US companies .
The US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency informed last week that the cyberattack `` poses a grave risk '' to US federal , state and local governments , as well as private organizations .
On Friday , US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo told The Mark Levin Show that Russia may be behind the attack .
Meanwhile , US President Donald Trump said on Saturday that the media had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He disagreed with media reports claiming that a group of hackers working for Moscow may be behind the attack , implicating China instead .
In the past , the Kremlin repeatedly denied Russia ’ s involvement in cyberattacks of this nature , calling on the US government to abandon baseless accusations .
Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov recalled that Russian President Vladimir Putin had offered Washington to sign an agreement on cybersecurity partnership .
According to Peskov , this could help both countries cooperate and counteract any cyberattacks , attempts at cyber espionage and @ @ @

MOSCOW, December 21. /TASS/. Moscow is not involved in hacker attacks on US government bodies and companies, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Monday.
"Russia is not involved in such attacks, namely this one. We state this officially and firmly," he said.
According to the spokesman, "any accusations of Russia’s involvement are absolutely baseless, they are more likely to be a continuation of blind Russophobia that is resorted to in case of any incident."
Peskov noted that the discussion of hacker attacks "is gaining steam in the United States, because it was the United States that fell victim to this hacker attack." "Definitely, this discussion has nothing to do with us," he stressed.
When asked about possible US initiatives in this situation, the Kremlin spokesman stated that "lately, it has been hard to predict US actions."
Hacker attacks in the US
It was reported earlier that the Orion software belonging to the SolarWinds company was hacked back in March 2020. The hackers were able to infiltrate a virus into an Orion update, which was then uploaded and used by thousands of SolarWinds clients, including leading US government institutions and over 400 major US companies.
The US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency informed last week that the cyberattack "poses a grave risk" to US federal, state and local governments, as well as private organizations.
On Friday, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo told The Mark Levin Show that Russia may be behind the attack. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump said on Saturday that the media had blown the incident out of proportion. He disagreed with media reports claiming that a group of hackers working for Moscow may be behind the attack, implicating China instead.
In the past, the Kremlin repeatedly denied Russia’s involvement in cyberattacks of this nature, calling on the US government to abandon baseless accusations. Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov recalled that Russian President Vladimir Putin had offered Washington to sign an agreement on cybersecurity partnership. According to Peskov, this could help both countries cooperate and counteract any cyberattacks, attempts at cyber espionage and so on.


tass--2020-12-21--Press review: Trump blames China for cyber attack and Russia not closing skies with UK

Vedomosti : Trump blames China instead of Russia for massive cyberattack on US The Trump administration decided not to publish a statement that was going to blame Russia for recently discovered hacker attacks using SolarWinds ' software .
On Friday night , the White House was supposed to formally accuse Russia of the cyberattack , but at the last minute it decided to postpone the publication .
Meanwhile , Trump suggested that China , not Russia , may be behind the attack on the US government .
Experts interviewed by Vedomosti believe that the US establishment is trying to spin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ashmanov , president of the Kribrum analytical company , noted that according to the US national cyber strategy , Russia is seen as Washington ’ s chief adversary , while China is enemy number two .
In his opinion , the SolarWinds attack is not the work of Russia , nor China .
`` Professional hackers belonging to state cyber troops do not behave like that .
It 's a common virus story , combat viruses do n't work that way .
A combat virus lives in the system for years , downloads @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it , '' Ashmanov told Vedomosti .
According to the expert , SolarWinds is dangerous software , and by penetrating such a system once , hackers gain access to hundreds of organizations .
The reasons for the new hacker scandal in the United States are more or less clear , Director General of the Russian International Affairs Council Andrey Kortunov told the newspaper .
One of the reasons is that US officials did not record any serious Russian interference in the elections .
But to keep the American establishment `` on the toes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Russia , other charges are being pursued that could be brought forward , the expert explained .
Trump 's position is also understandable , he is trying to shift the focus from Russia to China and tie the hacker attacks to Beijing ’ s apparently meddling in the US presidential elections in favor of the Democrats , Kortunov added .
Trump is trying to use the tactics of the Democrats and seeks to show that there is a ‘ Chinese hand ’ in Biden 's victory .
In addition , Trump might want @ @ @ @ @ @ @ administration towards reaching some agreement with China , in particular a trade deal .
Kortunov did not rule out consequences for Russian-US relations if Biden insists on blaming Russia for the hacker attack .
However , the expert does not expect dramatic consequences .
Even if the United States undertakes new sanctions , they will most likely be symbolic .
Nezavisimaya Gazeta : OPEC+ alarmed at Tehran ’ s plans to double its energy exports Iranian Oil Minister Bijan Zanganeh and Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak plan to meet on Monday , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ expected to touch upon Tehran 's announced plans to double its oil exports .
According to Nezavisimaya Gazeta , in essence , Tehran 's plans present a claim for part of the export revenues of Russia and Saudi Arabia .
Meanwhile , the expansion of the coronavirus pandemic , its mutations and vaccination problems are destroying the hopes of oil-producing countries for a recovery in demand next year .
Iran ’ s oil plans are related to the possible lifting of sanctions previously imposed against it by the Trump administration .
Today , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from oil production cuts within the OPEC+ deal .
Some experts and investors doubt that Iran will be able to return to the oil market quickly .
According to Vitol 's head of operations Mike Muller , the world is unlikely to see a lot of Iranian oil on the market in 2021 , since easing sanctions is not a priority for the US .
However , Iran 's desire to increase oil export volumes after the inauguration of the new US president looks like a serious obstacle to a gradual return of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ analyst at BCS World of Investments Vitaly Gromadin said .
`` The market believes that Biden will ease the sanctions on Iran .
The supply of oil from Iran on the world market is a serious factor .
A large amount of black gold has accumulated in the country 's oil storage facilities , which Iran is ready to throw on the market , '' Head of the Alpari analytical center Alexander Razuvaev told the newspaper .
At the same time , experts consider the current mood on the market to be overly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from new quarantine restrictions may be too rapid and strong for OPEC+ to be able to quickly agree on , '' Gromadin added .
Problems with new vaccines and news about coronavirus mutations are other major risks for the oil market .
`` Towards the end of 2021 , higher oil prices can be expected , given the general underfunding of field development and the return of demand , but market volatility will increase in the coming months , '' the experts believes .
Izvestia : Russia not planning to close air service @ @ @ @ @ @ @ strain Many European countries , as well as Israel , have suspended transport service with the United Kingdom due to a new strain of coronavirus that has appeared in Britain .
According to the British authorities , it spreads 70 % faster than the regular strain of the virus .
Meanwhile , Russia is not going to introduce additional restrictions on contacts with the United Kingdom , Izvestia writes .
Russia ’ s State Duma and the Federation Council share the same opinion .
First , it is necessary to obtain confirmation of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` Apart from the statements about the new strain from the UK Minister of Health , nothing else is known .
Before talking about the dangers of the mutation , it is necessary to conduct serious scientific research .
This year , information has been received many times about new dangerous strains of coronavirus , which has not been confirmed later , '' member of the State Duma ’ s Committee on Health Protection Boris Mendelevich told Izvestia .
It is too early to rush to statements about additional serious restrictions , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sure that the UK virus , due to which borders are now being closed in Europe , is that dangerous .
It is not necessarily the case that for example , Russia does not have a version of the virus that would spread faster , '' Head of the MIPT genomic engineering laboratory Pavel Volchkov told Izvestia .
British scientists believe it is spreading 1.7 times faster , which is actually not easy to calculate , the expert added .
Moreover , around 50 % of people who have come into contact with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ immunity to it .
But what exactly needs to be done is to speed up vaccination , Volchkov said .
Political instability in Yerevan after the ceasefire in Nagorno-Karabakh will continue , but the protests are unlikely to lead to an early change of power in Armenia , according to experts interviewed by Izvestia .
The number of people disillusioned with Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan 's policies is increasing every day due not only to the unsuccessful military campaign and the refugee problem , but also to the economic crisis amid the pandemic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the majority of Armenian citizens , according to experts , are apathetic and do not want a repeat of the coup of 2018 .
More than a month has passed since the Nagorno-Karabakh armistice , but unrest continues to shake up Yerevan .
Even the mourning procession on December 19 , dedicated to those killed in Nagorno-Karabakh , experienced strife .
This and other incidents demonstrate that the population is bitterly processing the losses and has not come to terms with the results of the war , political analyst Alexander Iskandaryan believes .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ‘ political face ’ .
Seventeen opposition parties united against the prime minister .
The growing discontent rages on and is spreading .
Even members of the clergy , universities , as well as media personalities are beginning to speak out on their position .
But they still do not have sufficient political weight , '' the expert told Izvestia .
The current opposition is still scattered and fails to arouse sympathy among the majority of the population , the expert said .
In addition , people understand that no political association will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ problems , including the situation with refugees and the economic crisis .
Regional expert Johnny Melikian agrees and does not see any opportunities for the opposition to repeat a coup .
However , former supporters continue to turn their backs on Pashinyan , and failure for him looms in the next elections , the expert added .
The Russian banking giant ’ s cloud service , SberCloud , by the end of 2020 will enter the top five cloud services providers in Russia with a market share of 6.2 % , increasing revenue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ year earlier , the banking giant occupied only 13th place with a share of 0.6 % .
Sber claims that this happened due to demand from large businesses .
However , according to experts and competitors , contracts in the public sector and with the subsidiaries of Sber , which `` floods the market with money , '' helped , Kommersant writes .
The sharp increase in the share of SberCloud is due to the low base in 2019 , the general activity of the company , and a partnership with China ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ services through SberCloud , according to iKS-Consulting .
The growth of almost all companies was influenced by the pandemic with its increased demand for computing resources , Director of development at Croc Cloud Services Maxim Berezin added .
Businesses increased their capacity to organize remote work of their employees , launch and develop client online services , he explains .
The largest drivers by industry are e-commerce , entertainment , and communication platforms , CEO of Oxygen data center network Pavel Kulakov added .
On the other hand , Kommersant 's source in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ infrastructure of partners at a premium , including the structures of Sberbank proper .
`` Instead of building healthy market competition and making better products , they flood the market with money , monopolizing it , '' the source said , noting that the main growth factors for such companies are localization requirements , which make it difficult for global leaders to enter the Russian market .
TASS is not responsible for the material quoted in these press reviews .

Vedomosti: Trump blames China instead of Russia for massive cyberattack on US
The Trump administration decided not to publish a statement that was going to blame Russia for recently discovered hacker attacks using SolarWinds' software. On Friday night, the White House was supposed to formally accuse Russia of the cyberattack, but at the last minute it decided to postpone the publication. Meanwhile, Trump suggested that China, not Russia, may be behind the attack on the US government. Experts interviewed by Vedomosti believe that the US establishment is trying to spin the attack for political gain. Igor Ashmanov, president of the Kribrum analytical company, noted that according to the US national cyber strategy, Russia is seen as Washington’s chief adversary, while China is enemy number two. In his opinion, the SolarWinds attack is not the work of Russia, nor China. "Professional hackers belonging to state cyber troops do not behave like that. It's a common virus story, combat viruses don't work that way. A combat virus lives in the system for years, downloads data, and no one knows about it," Ashmanov told Vedomosti. According to the expert, SolarWinds is dangerous software, and by penetrating such a system once, hackers gain access to hundreds of organizations. The reasons for the new hacker scandal in the United States are more or less clear, Director General of the Russian International Affairs Council Andrey Kortunov told the newspaper. One of the reasons is that US officials did not record any serious Russian interference in the elections. But to keep the American establishment "on the toes" and maintain an offensive position against Russia, other charges are being pursued that could be brought forward, the expert explained. Trump's position is also understandable, he is trying to shift the focus from Russia to China and tie the hacker attacks to Beijing’s apparently meddling in the US presidential elections in favor of the Democrats, Kortunov added. Trump is trying to use the tactics of the Democrats and seeks to show that there is a ‘Chinese hand’ in Biden's victory. In addition, Trump might want to block possible steps by the Biden administration towards reaching some agreement with China, in particular a trade deal. Kortunov did not rule out consequences for Russian-US relations if Biden insists on blaming Russia for the hacker attack. However, the expert does not expect dramatic consequences. Even if the United States undertakes new sanctions, they will most likely be symbolic. Nezavisimaya Gazeta: OPEC+ alarmed at Tehran’s plans to double its energy exports
Iranian Oil Minister Bijan Zanganeh and Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak plan to meet on Monday, December 21, where the parties are expected to touch upon Tehran's announced plans to double its oil exports. According to Nezavisimaya Gazeta, in essence, Tehran's plans present a claim for part of the export revenues of Russia and Saudi Arabia. Meanwhile, the expansion of the coronavirus pandemic, its mutations and vaccination problems are destroying the hopes of oil-producing countries for a recovery in demand next year. Iran’s oil plans are related to the possible lifting of sanctions previously imposed against it by the Trump administration. Today, Iran, Libya and Venezuela are exempt from oil production cuts within the OPEC+ deal. Some experts and investors doubt that Iran will be able to return to the oil market quickly. According to Vitol's head of operations Mike Muller, the world is unlikely to see a lot of Iranian oil on the market in 2021, since easing sanctions is not a priority for the US. However, Iran's desire to increase oil export volumes after the inauguration of the new US president looks like a serious obstacle to a gradual return of production in the OPEC+ countries, senior analyst at BCS World of Investments Vitaly Gromadin said. "The market believes that Biden will ease the sanctions on Iran. The supply of oil from Iran on the world market is a serious factor. A large amount of black gold has accumulated in the country's oil storage facilities, which Iran is ready to throw on the market," Head of the Alpari analytical center Alexander Razuvaev told the newspaper. At the same time, experts consider the current mood on the market to be overly positive. "The drop in demand from new quarantine restrictions may be too rapid and strong for OPEC+ to be able to quickly agree on," Gromadin added. Problems with new vaccines and news about coronavirus mutations are other major risks for the oil market. "Towards the end of 2021, higher oil prices can be expected, given the general underfunding of field development and the return of demand, but market volatility will increase in the coming months," the experts believes. Izvestia: Russia not planning to close air service with UK amid news of new coronavirus strain
Read also Issue of air service between Russia and UK under control
Many European countries, as well as Israel, have suspended transport service with the United Kingdom due to a new strain of coronavirus that has appeared in Britain. According to the British authorities, it spreads 70% faster than the regular strain of the virus. Meanwhile, Russia is not going to introduce additional restrictions on contacts with the United Kingdom, Izvestia writes. Russia’s State Duma and the Federation Council share the same opinion. First, it is necessary to obtain confirmation of any real danger of the mutated virus. "Apart from the statements about the new strain from the UK Minister of Health, nothing else is known. Before talking about the dangers of the mutation, it is necessary to conduct serious scientific research. This year, information has been received many times about new dangerous strains of coronavirus, which has not been confirmed later," member of the State Duma’s Committee on Health Protection Boris Mendelevich told Izvestia. It is too early to rush to statements about additional serious restrictions, he added. "I'm not sure that the UK virus, due to which borders are now being closed in Europe, is that dangerous. It is not necessarily the case that for example, Russia does not have a version of the virus that would spread faster," Head of the MIPT genomic engineering laboratory Pavel Volchkov told Izvestia. British scientists believe it is spreading 1.7 times faster, which is actually not easy to calculate, the expert added. Moreover, around 50% of people who have come into contact with coronavirus in one way or another have immunity to it. But what exactly needs to be done is to speed up vaccination, Volchkov said.
Meanwhile, the daily number of COVID-19 cases in Russia has gone up again. Compared with last week, the number of cases has increased by almost 1,000 to 28,948 new cases per day. Experts told Izvestia that New Year’s celebrations could lead to a noticeable surge in morbidity. Izvestia: Armenians’ anger at Pashinyan continues to mount
Political instability in Yerevan after the ceasefire in Nagorno-Karabakh will continue, but the protests are unlikely to lead to an early change of power in Armenia, according to experts interviewed by Izvestia. The number of people disillusioned with Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan's policies is increasing every day due not only to the unsuccessful military campaign and the refugee problem, but also to the economic crisis amid the pandemic, the newspaper writes. However, the majority of Armenian citizens, according to experts, are apathetic and do not want a repeat of the coup of 2018. More than a month has passed since the Nagorno-Karabakh armistice, but unrest continues to shake up Yerevan. Even the mourning procession on December 19, dedicated to those killed in Nagorno-Karabakh, experienced strife. This and other incidents demonstrate that the population is bitterly processing the losses and has not come to terms with the results of the war, political analyst Alexander Iskandaryan believes. "The protest has already acquired a ‘political face’. Seventeen opposition parties united against the prime minister. The growing discontent rages on and is spreading. Even members of the clergy, universities, as well as media personalities are beginning to speak out on their position. But they still do not have sufficient political weight," the expert told Izvestia. The current opposition is still scattered and fails to arouse sympathy among the majority of the population, the expert said. In addition, people understand that no political association will be able to magically solve these urgent problems, including the situation with refugees and the economic crisis. Regional expert Johnny Melikian agrees and does not see any opportunities for the opposition to repeat a coup. However, former supporters continue to turn their backs on Pashinyan, and failure for him looms in the next elections, the expert added. Kommersant: SberCloud market share surges amid pandemic
Read also Sberbank plans to open Russia's first AI institute


tass--2020-12-21--Eurasian Economic Union to negotiate free trade zone creation with India in 2021

MOSCOW , December 21 .
/TASS/ .
The Eurasian Economic Union ( EAEU ) may negotiate the creation of a @ @ @ @ @ in the first half of 2021 , Deputy Director of the EEC ( Eurasian Economic @ @ @ @ @ Mikhail Cherekaev said on Monday .
`` The decision to begin the negotiations was taken @ @ @ @ @ , we have not started a substantive discussion of the content of the agreement with @ @ @ @ @ .
We plan to hold a round of talks in the first half of next @ @ @ @ @ .

MOSCOW, December 21. /TASS/. The Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) may negotiate the creation of a free trade zone with India in the first half of 2021, Deputy Director of the EEC (Eurasian Economic Commission) Trade Policy Department Mikhail Cherekaev said on Monday.
"The decision to begin the negotiations was taken back in 2016. However, we have not started a substantive discussion of the content of the agreement with the Indian side thus far. We plan to hold a round of talks in the first half of next year," he said.


tass--2020-12-21--Latest Buk-M3 anti-aircraft missile systems go on combat alert in Siberia

YEKATERINBURG , December 21 .
/TASS/ .
The latest Buk-M3 medium-range surface-to-air missile systems have gone on combat alert for the first time in the Altai Region in Western Siberia to provide air defense on the territory of Russia ’ s Central Military District , the District ’ s press office reported on Monday .
`` After activating the anti-aircraft missile systems , the Altai formation has boosted its combat capabilities five-fold without expanding its staff .
The personnel of the unit stationed in Biysk earlier underwent re-training to learn to operate Buk-M3 systems .
Following this , the teams @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ground in the Astrakhan Region and redeployed to their permanent base where all the necessary maintenance work was carried out , '' the press office said in a statement .
The Buk-M3 surface-to-air missile system is designated to intercept all types of cruise missiles and aerodynamic targets .
The Buk-M3 launcher carries 12 missiles while the self-propelled fire unit is armed with six missiles .
As compared to their previous versions , the new anti-aircraft missile systems feature the chassis ’ increased capacity to carry a larger number of missiles , an improved @ @ @ @ @ @ @ enhanced anti-blast protection .
Russia ’ s Central Military District is based on the territory of the Volga , Urals and Siberian integrated federal districts and 29 Russian regions .
Structurally , the Central Military District also includes some overseas facilities : the 201st military base in Tajikistan , the Kant integrated military base in Kyrgyzstan and units stationed on the territory of Kazakhstan .

YEKATERINBURG, December 21. /TASS/. The latest Buk-M3 medium-range surface-to-air missile systems have gone on combat alert for the first time in the Altai Region in Western Siberia to provide air defense on the territory of Russia’s Central Military District, the District’s press office reported on Monday.
"After activating the anti-aircraft missile systems, the Altai formation has boosted its combat capabilities five-fold without expanding its staff. The personnel of the unit stationed in Biysk earlier underwent re-training to learn to operate Buk-M3 systems. Following this, the teams conducted live-firings at the Kapustin Yar proving ground in the Astrakhan Region and redeployed to their permanent base where all the necessary maintenance work was carried out," the press office said in a statement.
The Buk-M3 surface-to-air missile system is designated to intercept all types of cruise missiles and aerodynamic targets. The Buk-M3 launcher carries 12 missiles while the self-propelled fire unit is armed with six missiles. As compared to their previous versions, the new anti-aircraft missile systems feature the chassis’ increased capacity to carry a larger number of missiles, an improved control system and the crew’s enhanced anti-blast protection.
Russia’s Central Military District is based on the territory of the Volga, Urals and Siberian integrated federal districts and 29 Russian regions. Structurally, the Central Military District also includes some overseas facilities: the 201st military base in Tajikistan, the Kant integrated military base in Kyrgyzstan and units stationed on the territory of Kazakhstan.


tass--2020-12-21--Moscow’s coronavirus spread rate climbs to highest level since mid-October

MOSCOW , December 21 .
/TASS/ .
Moscow ’ s coronavirus spread rate increased to 1.24 in the past twenty-four hours , registering the highest level since October 14 , according to TASS estimates based on the anti-coronavirus crisis center ’ s data released on Monday .
Meanwhile Russia ’ s coronavirus spread grew to 1.06 , the highest level in the past two weeks , the latest data indicate .
In three out of ten Russian regions with the largest number of COVID-19 cases , the coronavirus spread rate is below 1 .
These are the Arkhangelsk Region , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Region , where this rate stands at 0.99 .
The coronavirus spread rate has remained at 1 for the seventh straight day in St. Petersburg and exceeds this level in all the other regions , the estimates show .
The coronavirus spread rate equals 1.01 in the Voronezh and Rostov regions , 1.02 in the Nizhny Novgorod and Sverdlovsk regions and 1.04 in the Moscow Region , the latest data indicate .
The coronavirus spread rate shows the number of people one patient can infect before being isolated .
Along with other criteria @ @ @ @ @ @ @ regions ’ readiness for a step-by-step removal of restrictions introduced this spring to combat the epidemic .
Now this rate is used to adopt decisions on resuming regular passenger service with foreign countries .
In accordance with the Federal Service for Surveillance of Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing ’ s recommendations , the borders with a country may be opened if the coronavirus spread rate does not exceed 1 for a week .

MOSCOW, December 21. /TASS/. Moscow’s coronavirus spread rate increased to 1.24 in the past twenty-four hours, registering the highest level since October 14, according to TASS estimates based on the anti-coronavirus crisis center’s data released on Monday.
Meanwhile Russia’s coronavirus spread grew to 1.06, the highest level in the past two weeks, the latest data indicate.
In three out of ten Russian regions with the largest number of COVID-19 cases, the coronavirus spread rate is below 1. These are the Arkhangelsk Region, the Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Region and the Krasnoyarsk Region, where this rate stands at 0.99. The coronavirus spread rate has remained at 1 for the seventh straight day in St. Petersburg and exceeds this level in all the other regions, the estimates show.
The coronavirus spread rate equals 1.01 in the Voronezh and Rostov regions, 1.02 in the Nizhny Novgorod and Sverdlovsk regions and 1.04 in the Moscow Region, the latest data indicate.
The coronavirus spread rate shows the number of people one patient can infect before being isolated. Along with other criteria, it was used to define the regions’ readiness for a step-by-step removal of restrictions introduced this spring to combat the epidemic. Now this rate is used to adopt decisions on resuming regular passenger service with foreign countries.
In accordance with the Federal Service for Surveillance of Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing’s recommendations, the borders with a country may be opened if the coronavirus spread rate does not exceed 1 for a week.


tass--2020-12-21--WHO says no data available yet on how new coronavirus strain influences mortality

MOSCOW , December 21 .
/TASS/ .
The World Health Organization has no information at its disposal yet on how the novel coronavirus strain influences mortality rates , WHO representative to Russia , Melita Vujnovic , said on the round-the-clock television news channel Rossiya-24 .
`` The first data that we have received from British scientists indicates that this virus may be more contagious .
At this point there is no proof , no sufficient evidence to say that it influences pathogenicity , the seriousness of the disease and mortality , '' Vujnovic said , adding that the WHO kept @ @ @ @ @ @ @ December 14 , Britain ’ s Secretary of State for Health and Social Care , Matt Hancock , said British scientists had identified a new coronavirus strain that might be to blame for high infection rates in southeastern England .
Hancock said preliminary analysis indicated that the newly-discovered virus strain was spreading faster than any of those exposed previously .
Prime Minister Boris Johnson told an urgent news conference on Saturday that according to the current findings the new strain might be 70 % more contagious .
He added that British experts had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mutated virus was fraught with a greater risk of lethal outcome .

MOSCOW, December 21. /TASS/. The World Health Organization has no information at its disposal yet on how the novel coronavirus strain influences mortality rates, WHO representative to Russia, Melita Vujnovic, said on the round-the-clock television news channel Rossiya-24.
"The first data that we have received from British scientists indicates that this virus may be more contagious. At this point there is no proof, no sufficient evidence to say that it influences pathogenicity, the seriousness of the disease and mortality," Vujnovic said, adding that the WHO kept in touch with British scientists.
On December 14, Britain’s Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Matt Hancock, said British scientists had identified a new coronavirus strain that might be to blame for high infection rates in southeastern England. Hancock said preliminary analysis indicated that the newly-discovered virus strain was spreading faster than any of those exposed previously. Prime Minister Boris Johnson told an urgent news conference on Saturday that according to the current findings the new strain might be 70% more contagious. He added that British experts had not yet found any proof that the mutated virus was fraught with a greater risk of lethal outcome.


tass--2020-12-21--Moscow reports 7,797 daily COVID-19 cases

MOSCOW , December 21 .
/TASS/ .
Another 7,797 coronavirus cases were recorded in Moscow in the past 24 hours ; this is the highest number since December 5 .
A total of 743,697 have been infected in the capital since the start of the pandemic , the anti-coronavirus crisis center told reporters on Monday .
Moscow registered 7,263 COVID-19 cases a day earlier .
According to the crisis center , the growth rate stands at 1 % .
In all , 1,585 people were hospitalized .
According to the city ’ s anti-coronavirus crisis center , the number of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two weeks .
`` As many as 1,585 COVID-19 patients were hospitalized in the past 24 hours .
The number of hospitalizations has been stable over the past two weeks .
At present , 487 people are on ventilators in Moscow ’ s hospitals , '' the crisis center said .
According to the crisis center , 12.6 % of patients are children , 40.4 % are people aged 18 to 45 , 30.5 % are aged 46 to 65 and another 12 % are from 66 to 79 years of age .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ 80 .
All patients and their close contacts are under medical supervision .
Moscow saw another 4,798 recoveries and 75 fatalities in the past 24 hours .
At present , 160,687 people in the Russian capital continue treatment .
The crisis center reiterated the need to observe self-isolation for residents over 65 and those with chronic diseases , as well as for schoolchildren in grades 6-11 and students on distance learning .
It is necessary to wear masks and gloves in public places and observe social distancing rules .
Moscow tops the list @ @ @ @ @ @ @ highest numbers of coronavirus cases .
So far , 743,697 cases have been confirmed in the city - 572,541 have recovered and 10,469 have died .

MOSCOW, December 21. /TASS/. Another 7,797 coronavirus cases were recorded in Moscow in the past 24 hours; this is the highest number since December 5. A total of 743,697 have been infected in the capital since the start of the pandemic, the anti-coronavirus crisis center told reporters on Monday.
Moscow registered 7,263 COVID-19 cases a day earlier. According to the crisis center, the growth rate stands at 1%.
In all, 1,585 people were hospitalized. According to the city’s anti-coronavirus crisis center, the number of hospitalizations has been stable over the past two weeks. "As many as 1,585 COVID-19 patients were hospitalized in the past 24 hours. The number of hospitalizations has been stable over the past two weeks. At present, 487 people are on ventilators in Moscow’s hospitals," the crisis center said.
According to the crisis center, 12.6% of patients are children, 40.4% are people aged 18 to 45, 30.5% are aged 46 to 65 and another 12% are from 66 to 79 years of age. Also, 4.5% are those over 80. All patients and their close contacts are under medical supervision.
Moscow saw another 4,798 recoveries and 75 fatalities in the past 24 hours.
At present, 160,687 people in the Russian capital continue treatment.
The crisis center reiterated the need to observe self-isolation for residents over 65 and those with chronic diseases, as well as for schoolchildren in grades 6-11 and students on distance learning. It is necessary to wear masks and gloves in public places and observe social distancing rules.
Moscow tops the list of Russia’s regions with the highest numbers of coronavirus cases. So far, 743,697 cases have been confirmed in the city - 572,541 have recovered and 10,469 have died.


tass--2020-12-21--Russia reports record-high 29,350 new coronavirus infections in single day

Most serious period of fighting against COVID-19 will end in few months , Moscow mayor says MOSCOW , December 21 @ @ @ @ @ of coronavirus infections in Russia went up by record-high 29,350 in the past 24 hours @ @ @ @ @ 2,877,727 , the national anti-coronavirus crisis center told reporters Monday .
According to the crisis @ @ @ @ @ not exceed 1 % The slowest infection increases in the past 24 hours are reported @ @ @ @ @ 0.3 % ) , Tuva , the Yamalo-Nenets Region , the Khanty-Mansi Region , Mari @ @ @ @ @ and the Novosibirsk Region ( 0.6 % ) .
Over the past 24 hours , @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 cases , followed by the Moscow Region ( 1,523 ) , the Nizhny Novgorod @ @ @ @ @ the Sverdlovsk Region ( 396 ) and the Pskov Region ( 394 ) .
Currently @ @ @ @ @ cases in Russia .

Most serious period of fighting against COVID-19 will end in few months, Moscow mayor says
MOSCOW, December 21. /TASS/. The number of coronavirus infections in Russia went up by record-high 29,350 in the past 24 hours, bringing the total to 2,877,727, the national anti-coronavirus crisis center told reporters Monday.
According to the crisis center, the increase does not exceed 1%
The slowest infection increases in the past 24 hours are reported from the Nenets Region (0.3%), Tuva, the Yamalo-Nenets Region, the Khanty-Mansi Region, Mari El, the Kemerovo Region and the Novosibirsk Region (0.6%).
Over the past 24 hours, St. Petersburg reported 3,752 new COVID-19 cases, followed by the Moscow Region (1,523), the Nizhny Novgorod Region (501), the Sverdlovsk Region (396) and the Pskov Region (394).
Currently, there are 531,014 active cases in Russia.


tass--2020-12-21--Moscow launches coronavirus vaccination for more categories of citizens

MOSCOW , December 21 .
/TASS/ .
Moscow has opened coronavirus vaccination appointments for additional categories of residents .
The @ @ @ @ @ to workers of industrial , energy , transport and media workers , Deputy Mayor of @ @ @ @ @ Monday .
`` Moscow has laid down all conditions so that as many people as @ @ @ @ @ can get protection from the coronavirus infection in a relatively short period of time .
@ @ @ @ @ in adult policlinics where COVID-19 vaccines can be administered .
Starting with today , we @ @ @ @ @ risk groups - industry , energy , transport and media workers , '' she noted @ @ @ @ @ the first city in the world to set up free large-scale COVID-19 vaccination for key @ @ @ @ @ healthcare and social workers have been able to get the vaccine since December 5 .
@ @ @ @ @ and service workers have been vaccinated since December 14 .

MOSCOW, December 21. /TASS/. Moscow has opened coronavirus vaccination appointments for additional categories of residents. The jab can now be administered to workers of industrial, energy, transport and media workers, Deputy Mayor of Moscow Anastasia Rakova told reporters Monday.
"Moscow has laid down all conditions so that as many people as possible from key risk groups can get protection from the coronavirus infection in a relatively short period of time. Seventy vaccine stations were opened in adult policlinics where COVID-19 vaccines can be administered. Starting with today, we are launching vaccinations for new risk groups - industry, energy, transport and media workers," she noted.
Moscow came to be the first city in the world to set up free large-scale COVID-19 vaccination for key risk groups. Education, healthcare and social workers have been able to get the vaccine since December 5. Moreover, culture, trade and service workers have been vaccinated since December 14.


tass--2020-12-21--Number of foreign adoptions in Russia drops by 11 times since 2012

MOSCOW , December 21 .
/TASS/ .
The number of Russian orphans adopted by foreigners has dropped from 2,604 in 2012 to 240 in 2019 , or by almost 11 times .
The number of adoptions by Russians also halved in this period , the official statistic shows .
As of 2012 , Italians adopted the most Russian children ( 762 ) , followed by the US nationals ( 646 ) , Spaniards ( 502 ) , French ( 245 ) and Germans ( 129 ) .
However , this list changed significantly in 2019 , as Italians adopted 165 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) , Spaniards ( 16 ) and French ( 12 ) .
Moreover , Russians adopted 6,565 children in 2012 , but the number of adoptions was steadily decreasing to reach 3,252 in 2019 .
In late November , Russian Deputy Prime Minister Tatyana Golikova reported that the number of orphans in Russia dropped by 15 % since early 2018 , from 50,000 to 42,000 .
Russia enacted the law banning US citizens from adopting Russian children on January 1 , 2013 .
These measures were included in the Russian response to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ came to be known as Dima Yakovlev law after a Russian boy who tragically died in his adoptive family in the US .
The law prohibits adoption of children with Russian citizenship by US citizens and also bans bodies and agencies seeking to select orphans and facilitate adoption by Americans in Russia .

MOSCOW, December 21. /TASS/. The number of Russian orphans adopted by foreigners has dropped from 2,604 in 2012 to 240 in 2019, or by almost 11 times. The number of adoptions by Russians also halved in this period, the official statistic shows.
As of 2012, Italians adopted the most Russian children (762), followed by the US nationals (646), Spaniards (502), French (245) and Germans (129). However, this list changed significantly in 2019, as Italians adopted 165 orphans, followed by Argentinians (23), Spaniards (16) and French (12).
Moreover, Russians adopted 6,565 children in 2012, but the number of adoptions was steadily decreasing to reach 3,252 in 2019.
In late November, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Tatyana Golikova reported that the number of orphans in Russia dropped by 15% since early 2018, from 50,000 to 42,000.
Russia enacted the law banning US citizens from adopting Russian children on January 1, 2013. These measures were included in the Russian response to the US Magnitsky Act. The Russian law came to be known as Dima Yakovlev law after a Russian boy who tragically died in his adoptive family in the US. The law prohibits adoption of children with Russian citizenship by US citizens and also bans bodies and agencies seeking to select orphans and facilitate adoption by Americans in Russia.


tass--2020-12-21--Kazakhstan launches production of Russia’s Sputnik V vaccine

NUR-SULTAN , December 21 .
/TASS/ .
The production of Russia ’ s Sputnik V coronavirus vaccine has begun at the Karaganda pharmaceutical enterprise in Kazakhstan , the press service of Kazakhstan ’ s government reported on Monday .
`` Prime Minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan Askar Mamin has visited the Karaganda pharmaceutical complex , where he jump-started the production of the Sputnik V vaccine as part of the implementation of the agreements between Presidents Kassym-Jomart Tokayev of the Republic of Kazakhstan and Vladimir Putin of the Russian Federation , '' the statement said .
According to the press @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be made at the enterprise in stages .
`` Mass vaccination with Sputnik V manufactured in Kazakhstan will begin in February 2021 .
Medical workers , teachers , students , law enforcement officers , the staff of medical and social institutions , as well as representatives of risk groups with chronic diseases , will be inoculated first on a voluntary basis , '' Mamin said .
He also highlighted the importance of localizing the industrial production of the Sputnik V vaccine in Kazakhstan .
On December 18 , Tokayev said that Kazakhstan would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with Russia , both Russia ’ s and Kazakhstan ’ s , including for export .

NUR-SULTAN, December 21. /TASS/. The production of Russia’s Sputnik V coronavirus vaccine has begun at the Karaganda pharmaceutical enterprise in Kazakhstan, the press service of Kazakhstan’s government reported on Monday.
"Prime Minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan Askar Mamin has visited the Karaganda pharmaceutical complex, where he jump-started the production of the Sputnik V vaccine as part of the implementation of the agreements between Presidents Kassym-Jomart Tokayev of the Republic of Kazakhstan and Vladimir Putin of the Russian Federation," the statement said.
According to the press service, 2 million vaccine doses will be made at the enterprise in stages. "Mass vaccination with Sputnik V manufactured in Kazakhstan will begin in February 2021. Medical workers, teachers, students, law enforcement officers, the staff of medical and social institutions, as well as representatives of risk groups with chronic diseases, will be inoculated first on a voluntary basis," Mamin said.
He also highlighted the importance of localizing the industrial production of the Sputnik V vaccine in Kazakhstan.
On December 18, Tokayev said that Kazakhstan would launch the joint production of COVID-19 vaccines with Russia, both Russia’s and Kazakhstan’s, including for export.


tass--2020-12-21--Dreamed Technology's Smart Factory Starts Mass Production 150,000 rpm Vacuum Motors

SUZHOU , China , Dec. 20 , 2020 /PRNewswire/ Leading smart home technology brand , Dreame Technology ( Dreame ) , offered the first glimpse of its smart motor production factory with the capacity to mass-produce high-speed motors that can reach 150,000rpm and will feature in the upcoming cordless vacuum model expected to be released in March 2021 .
In 2020 , Dreame successfully developed high-speed vacuum motors that reach 150,000rpm , breaking the market technical barrier of 125,000rpm to deliver much stronger suction performance .
With the new factory now in operation , it expanded to six production lines @ @ @ @ @ @ @ four million .
This new smart factory has started to manufacture what will be the top performing vacuum cleaner in Dreame 's product line .
`` Dreame is entering a period of rapid growth and is showing great potential for future development .
The company is persistent in independent innovation and has quickly established advantages in core technology R & D .
Dreame will stride into a new era of whole unit production and intelligent manufacturing , '' said Yu Hao , founder and CEO of Dreame .
The Dreame team leading the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the fields of motor R & D , laboratory , machine engineering , machine quality , supply chain , finance and human resources .
Close collaboration and teamwork are essential for the smooth operations of the motor factory , with everyone working together to solve problems , ensure the quality of the motors and coordinate supply chain and delivery .
As Dreame continues to deliver high-performance and competitive products in the international market , the total number of patents reached 248 .
Powered by Dreame 's engineers with an aerospace background , intelligent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also achieves high precision .
`` Dreame hopes the super vacuums with brushless motors of 150,000rpm can benefit more and more families .
Everyone deserves to experience cutting-edge technologies at affordable prices , and that 's what Dreame is aiming for ; changing the world with innovative technologies and building the machines of the future to explore infinite possibilities in the intelligent service robotics industry , '' said Yu Hao .
Established in 2015 , Dreame Technology , an innovative brand with the vision to enhance global users ' quality of life with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ astrodynamics technologies .
Follow us on Facebook , Instagram and Twitter .

SUZHOU, China, Dec. 20, 2020 /PRNewswire/ Leading smart home technology brand, Dreame Technology (Dreame), offered the first glimpse of its smart motor production factory with the capacity to mass-produce high-speed motors that can reach 150,000rpm and will feature in the upcoming cordless vacuum model expected to be released in March 2021.
Experience the interactive Multichannel News Release here.
In 2020, Dreame successfully developed high-speed vacuum motors that reach 150,000rpm, breaking the market technical barrier of 125,000rpm to deliver much stronger suction performance. With the new factory now in operation, it expanded to six production lines and achieved an annual production capacity of four million. This new smart factory has started to manufacture what will be the top performing vacuum cleaner in Dreame's product line.
"Dreame is entering a period of rapid growth and is showing great potential for future development. The company is persistent in independent innovation and has quickly established advantages in core technology R&D. Dreame will stride into a new era of whole unit production and intelligent manufacturing," said Yu Hao, founder and CEO of Dreame.
The Dreame team leading the Smart Factory is joined by experts in the fields of motor R&D, laboratory, machine engineering, machine quality, supply chain, finance and human resources. Close collaboration and teamwork are essential for the smooth operations of the motor factory, with everyone working together to solve problems, ensure the quality of the motors and coordinate supply chain and delivery.
As Dreame continues to deliver high-performance and competitive products in the international market, the total number of patents reached 248. Powered by Dreame's engineers with an aerospace background, intelligent manufacturing including automation production and mechanized operations also achieves high precision.
"Dreame hopes the super vacuums with brushless motors of 150,000rpm can benefit more and more families. Everyone deserves to experience cutting-edge technologies at affordable prices, and that's what Dreame is aiming for; changing the world with innovative technologies and building the machines of the future to explore infinite possibilities in the intelligent service robotics industry," said Yu Hao.
About Dreame Technology
Established in 2015, Dreame Technology, an innovative brand with the vision to enhance global users' quality of life with a focus on high-performance cleaning appliances leveraging astrodynamics technologies. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
Media Contact
Name: Yuekun Liu
Email Address: pr@dreame.tech
Contact Number: +86 400-875-9511


tass--2020-12-21--Customers Adopt GameChange's 94% GCR MaxSpan EastWest™  for Higher Power Production

NEW YORK , Dec. 18 , 2020 /PRNewswire/ GameChange Solar today announced that its global customers are requesting designs utilizing @ @ @ @ @ configuration for fixed-tilt systems .
With a GCR up to 94 % , competitive price @ @ @ @ @ structure , the MaxSpan EastWest™ Fixed-Tilt is a considerable system for owners seeking higher power @ @ @ @ @ Chief Commercial Officer at GameChange Solar , stated : `` As module prices fall , @ @ @ @ @ Fixed-Tilt system combines higher system kWh output versus trackers with extreme value pricing to make @ @ @ @ @ superior alternative . ''
Contact and media inquiries can be directed to Derick Botha +1 @ @ @ @ @ : derick.botha @ gamechangesolar.com

NEW YORK, Dec. 18, 2020 /PRNewswire/ GameChange Solar today announced that its global customers are requesting designs utilizing the GameChange Solar MaxSpan EastWest™ configuration for fixed-tilt systems. With a GCR up to 94%, competitive price, and high strength steel structure, the MaxSpan EastWest™ Fixed-Tilt is a considerable system for owners seeking higher power production.
Derick Botha, Chief Commercial Officer at GameChange Solar, stated: "As module prices fall, GameChange Solar's MaxSpan EastWest™ Fixed-Tilt system combines higher system kWh output versus trackers with extreme value pricing to make the MaxSpan EastWest™ Fixed-Tilt a superior alternative."
Contact and media inquiries can be directed to Derick Botha +1 (302) 528-2125
email: derick.botha@gamechangesolar.com


tass--2020-12-21--ZTE publishes white paper on 5G SA commercial deployment

SHENZHEN , China , December 21 .
/PRNewswire/ .
ZTE Corporation ( 0763.HK / 000063.SZ ) , a major international provider of telecommunications , enterprise and consumer technology solutions for the Mobile Internet , released a white paper on 5G SA commercial deployment , published by Mobile World Live .
The white paper demonstrates that SA is the target architecture of 5G and lays solid foundation for fully realizing 5G application value .
The white paper elaborates on 5G SA challenges and solutions , covering seamless coverage , multi-RAT co-existence , end-to-end network slicing , and 5G business-oriented network and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coverage , three factors like the serialized 5G NR products for the flexible full-scenario coverage , uplink enhancement technology , high-frequency and low-frequency coordinate networking are the key to the cost-effective seamless coverage .
Meanwhile , convergent architecture core network , NSA/SA dual-mode BTS and SuperDSS can achieve the co-existence and smooth evolution of multi-RAT networks .
As the critical function of 5G , network slicing has been realized in end-to-end network and management system .
Some cutting-edge technologies and products , such as end-to-end slicing , lite 5GC , integrated UPF and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ network deployments and service applications .
Moreover , the white paper has also introduced some successful business-oriented 5G application cases , for example , Tianjin smart port 's 5G remote control of quay cranes , and ZTE Nanjing smart factory , in which ZTE 's 5G equipment is produced efficiently with the 5G network .
In addition , the white paper expects that the 3GPP R16-based 5G network will be put into commercial use in 2022 to further explore the values of 5G applications .
The following is the link to access the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : https : //www.mobileworldlive.com/standalone-5g-now-ready-for-prime-time ZTE is a provider of advanced telecommunications systems , mobile devices and enterprise technology solutions to consumers , operators , companies and public sector customers .
The company has been committed to providing customers with integrated end-to-end innovations to deliver excellence and value as the telecommunications and information technology sectors converge .
Listed in the stock exchanges of Hong Kong and Shenzhen ( H share stock code : 0763.HK / A share stock code : 000063.SZ ) , ZTE sells its products and services in more than 160 countries @

SHENZHEN, China, December 21. /PRNewswire/. ZTE Corporation (0763.HK / 000063.SZ), a major international provider of telecommunications, enterprise and consumer technology solutions for the Mobile Internet, released a white paper on 5G SA commercial deployment, published by Mobile World Live. The white paper demonstrates that SA is the target architecture of 5G and lays solid foundation for fully realizing 5G application value.
The white paper elaborates on 5G SA challenges and solutions, covering seamless coverage, multi-RAT co-existence, end-to-end network slicing, and 5G business-oriented network and service applications.
In terms of seamless coverage, three factors like the serialized 5G NR products for the flexible full-scenario coverage, uplink enhancement technology, high-frequency and low-frequency coordinate networking are the key to the cost-effective seamless coverage.
Meanwhile, convergent architecture core network, NSA/SA dual-mode BTS and SuperDSS can achieve the co-existence and smooth evolution of multi-RAT networks.
As the critical function of 5G, network slicing has been realized in end-to-end network and management system. Some cutting-edge technologies and products, such as end-to-end slicing, lite 5GC, integrated UPF and MEC have been introduced to industry private network deployments and service applications.
Moreover, the white paper has also introduced some successful business-oriented 5G application cases, for example, Tianjin smart port's 5G remote control of quay cranes, and ZTE Nanjing smart factory, in which ZTE's 5G equipment is produced efficiently with the 5G network.
In addition, the white paper expects that the 3GPP R16-based 5G network will be put into commercial use in 2022 to further explore the values of 5G applications.
The following is the link to access the white paper on 5G SA commercial deployment:
https://www.mobileworldlive.com/standalone-5g-now-ready-for-prime-time
ZTE is a provider of advanced telecommunications systems, mobile devices and enterprise technology solutions to consumers, operators, companies and public sector customers. The company has been committed to providing customers with integrated end-to-end innovations to deliver excellence and value as the telecommunications and information technology sectors converge. Listed in the stock exchanges of Hong Kong and Shenzhen (H share stock code: 0763.HK / A share stock code: 000063.SZ), ZTE sells its products and services in more than 160 countries.
Media Contacts:


tass--2020-12-21--South Korea reports highest number of coronavirus deaths in 11 months

SEOUL , December 21 .
/TASS/ .
As many as 926 coronavirus cases were recorded in South Korea in the @ @ @ @ @ the total to 50,591 , according to data from the national Disease Control and Prevention @ @ @ @ @ 24 coronavirus patients died in the past day , the highest daily number since January @ @ @ @ @ toll has climbed to 698 .
The number of recoveries increased by 433 to 35,155 @ @ @ @ @ serious and critical patients remain hospitalized .

SEOUL, December 21. /TASS/. As many as 926 coronavirus cases were recorded in South Korea in the past 24 hours, bringing the total to 50,591, according to data from the national Disease Control and Prevention Agency.
Russia reports highest coronavirus case tally over past two weeks
A total of 24 coronavirus patients died in the past day, the highest daily number since January 20. The overall death toll has climbed to 698.
The number of recoveries increased by 433 to 35,155.
As many as 274 serious and critical patients remain hospitalized.


tass--2020-12-22--Some 43,000 refugees return to Nagorno-Karabakh - Russian defense ministry

MOSCOW , December 22 .
/TASS/ .
Nearly 43,000 refugees have come back to Nagorno-Karabakh since the ceasefire entered into force in the region , the Russian Defense Ministry told reporters on Tuesday .
`` Today 351 people were delivered by buses from Yerevan to Stepanakert .
The bus traffic was escorted by patrols of the Russian peacekeeping contingent and military police .
< ... > In total , some 43,000 refugees have returned to their places of residence in Nagorno-Karabakh , '' the ministry said .
Russia ’ s peacekeepers are in Nagorno-Karabakh in accordance with the agreements confirmed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a full ceasefire in the region made by Russian President Vladimir Putin , Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan .
According to the Russian Defense Ministry , the Russian peacekeeping contingent in Nagorno-Karabakh is comprised of units from the 15th separate motor rifle ( peacekeeping ) brigade of the Central Military District .
The Russian peacekeepers have set up observation posts along the engagement line in Nagorno-Karabakh and along the Lachinsky corridor that connects Armenia with the enclave to exercise control of the ceasefire observance .
The peacekeeping mission @ @ @ @ @ @ @ area of Stepanakert , the de facto capital of Nagorno-Karabakh .
The situation is being monitored round-the-clock .

MOSCOW, December 22. /TASS/. Nearly 43,000 refugees have come back to Nagorno-Karabakh since the ceasefire entered into force in the region, the Russian Defense Ministry told reporters on Tuesday.
"Today 351 people were delivered by buses from Yerevan to Stepanakert. The bus traffic was escorted by patrols of the Russian peacekeeping contingent and military police. <...> In total, some 43,000 refugees have returned to their places of residence in Nagorno-Karabakh," the ministry said.
Russia’s peacekeepers are in Nagorno-Karabakh in accordance with the agreements confirmed by the November 9 joint statement on a full ceasefire in the region made by Russian President Vladimir Putin, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan.
According to the Russian Defense Ministry, the Russian peacekeeping contingent in Nagorno-Karabakh is comprised of units from the 15th separate motor rifle (peacekeeping) brigade of the Central Military District.
The Russian peacekeepers have set up observation posts along the engagement line in Nagorno-Karabakh and along the Lachinsky corridor that connects Armenia with the enclave to exercise control of the ceasefire observance. The peacekeeping mission’s command is stationed in the area of Stepanakert, the de facto capital of Nagorno-Karabakh. The situation is being monitored round-the-clock.


tass--2020-12-22--Scientists explain mass deaths of endangered seals in Dagestan by natural causes

MOSCOW , December 22 .
/TASS/ .
Scientists confirmed that mass deaths of endangered seals in Russia ’ s North Caucasus republic of Dagestan were due to natural causes , the press service of the Russian Federal Research Institute of Fisheries and Oceanography ( VNIRO ) told TASS .
A study carried out by scientists did not confirm a theory that the seals could have died from intoxication or from poaching .
Specialists of the territorial department of the Russian Federal Agency for Fishery in Dagestan found the bodies of 272 Caspian seals washed up ashore of the Caspian Sea @ @ @ @ @ @ @ theories of the Caspian seals ’ death are related to natural factors .
The condition of internal parts of the seals ’ bodies does not confirm the hypothesis about their intoxication of heavy metals or pesticides , '' said Deputy Director for Scientific Work Vyacheslav Bizikov , who led the working group for investigating the mass deaths .
The expert also ruled out speculation that the mammals could have died from poaching , saying that no poaching nets were found .
Besides , their stomachs did not contain any sprats , the main @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the only mammal living in the Caspian Sea .
This species was declared endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature in 2008 .
In 2015 , Dagestan approved a program aimed to preserve the Caspian seal .
In 2020 , this mammal was included in the Red Data Book of the Russian Federation .
Dead seals are found washed up on Dagestan ’ s shores of the Caspian Sea every few years , according to the research institute .
Such incidents were reported in 2012 and 2016 .
In 2016 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the Caspian Sea in late November after lengthy storms .
Some 300 mammals were found but no exact cause of their death was established .

MOSCOW, December 22. /TASS/. Scientists confirmed that mass deaths of endangered seals in Russia’s North Caucasus republic of Dagestan were due to natural causes, the press service of the Russian Federal Research Institute of Fisheries and Oceanography (VNIRO) told TASS.
A study carried out by scientists did not confirm a theory that the seals could have died from intoxication or from poaching.
Specialists of the territorial department of the Russian Federal Agency for Fishery in Dagestan found the bodies of 272 Caspian seals washed up ashore of the Caspian Sea on December 6-10.
"The key theories of the Caspian seals’ death are related to natural factors. The condition of internal parts of the seals’ bodies does not confirm the hypothesis about their intoxication of heavy metals or pesticides," said Deputy Director for Scientific Work Vyacheslav Bizikov, who led the working group for investigating the mass deaths.
The expert also ruled out speculation that the mammals could have died from poaching, saying that no poaching nets were found. Besides, their stomachs did not contain any sprats, the main Caspian fish-catch.
The Caspian seal is the only mammal living in the Caspian Sea. This species was declared endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature in 2008. In 2015, Dagestan approved a program aimed to preserve the Caspian seal. In 2020, this mammal was included in the Red Data Book of the Russian Federation.
Dead seals are found washed up on Dagestan’s shores of the Caspian Sea every few years, according to the research institute. Such incidents were reported in 2012 and 2016. In 2016, dead seals were discovered washed up ashore of the Caspian Sea in late November after lengthy storms. Some 300 mammals were found but no exact cause of their death was established.


tass--2020-12-22--US coronavirus caseload surpasses 18 mln, research university says

TASS , December 22 .
The coronavirus case tally in the United States hit 18 mln on Monday , according to the Johns Hopkins University , which relies on data provided by international organizations , federal and local authorities .
Since the start of the pandemic , as many as 18,006,061 people in the US have contracted COVID-19 .
Most cases were confirmed in California ( 1,907,483 ) , Texas ( 1,602,988 ) , Florida ( 1,212,581 ) , Illinois ( 905,069 ) and New York ( 857 , 049 ) .
A total of 319,190 people have died from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ late December 2019 , Chinese officials informed 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 , nearly 77.2 mln people have been infected worldwide and more than 1.7 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ date , 2,877,727 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia , with 2,295,362 patients having recovered from the disease .
Russia ’ s latest data indicates 51,351 fatalities nationwide .
Earlier , the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation .

TASS, December 22. The coronavirus case tally in the United States hit 18 mln on Monday, according to the Johns Hopkins University, which relies on data provided by international organizations, federal and local authorities.
Since the start of the pandemic, as many as 18,006,061 people in the US have contracted COVID-19. Most cases were confirmed in California (1,907,483), Texas (1,602,988), Florida (1,212,581), Illinois (905,069) and New York (857, 049). A total of 319,190 people have died from the coronavirus in the US.
In late December 2019, Chinese officials informed 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, nearly 77.2 mln people have been infected worldwide and more than 1.7 mln deaths have been reported. To date, 2,877,727 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 2,295,362 patients having recovered from the disease. Russia’s latest data indicates 51,351 fatalities nationwide. Earlier, the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation.


tass--2020-12-22--Expert says all vaccines effective despite coronavirus mutation

MOSCOW , December 22 .
/TASS/ .
The COVID-19 genome ’ s mutation detected in the United Kingdom has not affected the antigenic structure and all developed vaccines will be effective against the new strain , virologist and chief researcher at the Gamaleya Research Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology Viktor Zuyev said in an interview with Rossiya-24 TV channel .
`` The mutations of the coronavirus genome did not affect the virus antigenic structure and therefore all those vaccines , which are being created , which are being prepared , which are already being used , are quite effective and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ continue , '' Zuyev said .
The virologist stressed the need to comply with the requirements for preventing the coronavirus spread , noting the importance of continuing the effort on vaccinating citizens .
On December 14 , Britain ’ s Secretary of State for Health and Social Care Matt Hancock said British scientists had identified a new coronavirus strain that might be to blame for high infection rates in southeastern England .
UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson said according to preliminary findings the new virus strain appeared to be spreading more rapidly .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ suspended flights with the UK over concerns about the virus mutation .
Earlier , Deputy Director for Research of the Central Research Institute of Epidemiology of the Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing Alexander Gorelov said there was no official confirmation that the new mutated strain of the coronavirus was 70 % more contagious than more established strains .

MOSCOW, December 22. /TASS/. The COVID-19 genome’s mutation detected in the United Kingdom has not affected the antigenic structure and all developed vaccines will be effective against the new strain, virologist and chief researcher at the Gamaleya Research Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology Viktor Zuyev said in an interview with Rossiya-24 TV channel.
"The mutations of the coronavirus genome did not affect the virus antigenic structure and therefore all those vaccines, which are being created, which are being prepared, which are already being used, are quite effective and this effort needs to <...> continue," Zuyev said.
The virologist stressed the need to comply with the requirements for preventing the coronavirus spread, noting the importance of continuing the effort on vaccinating citizens.
On December 14, Britain’s Secretary of State for Health and Social Care Matt Hancock said British scientists had identified a new coronavirus strain that might be to blame for high infection rates in southeastern England. UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson said according to preliminary findings the new virus strain appeared to be spreading more rapidly. Some countries, including Russia, have suspended flights with the UK over concerns about the virus mutation.
Earlier, Deputy Director for Research of the Central Research Institute of Epidemiology of the Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing Alexander Gorelov said there was no official confirmation that the new mutated strain of the coronavirus was 70% more contagious than more established strains.


tass--2020-12-22--Biden gets first dose of coronavirus vaccine on live television

NEW YORK , December 22 .
/TASS/ .
US President-Elect Joe Biden received the first of two doses of the coronavirus vaccine developed by US company Pfizer and Germany ’ s BioNTech , according to CNN ’ s live broadcast from a hospital in Newark , Delaware .
`` I 'm doing this to demonstrate that people should be prepared , when it 's available , to take the vaccine , '' Biden , wearing a face mask , said .
`` There 's nothing to worry about .
I 'm looking forward to the second shot . ''
On @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pence and his wife Karen Pence as well as Surgeon General of the United States Vice Admiral Jerome Adams received the coronavirus vaccine .
Speaker of the United States House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi , Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and a number of other legislators also got the jab .
The United States Food and Drug Administration of the Department of Health and Human Services authorized a vaccine developed by Pfizer and BioNTech for emergency use on December 11 .
The vaccine is 95 % effective after the second dose .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vaccine on December 14 .

NEW YORK, December 22. /TASS/. US President-Elect Joe Biden received the first of two doses of the coronavirus vaccine developed by US company Pfizer and Germany’s BioNTech, according to CNN’s live broadcast from a hospital in Newark, Delaware.
"I'm doing this to demonstrate that people should be prepared, when it's available, to take the vaccine," Biden, wearing a face mask, said. "There's nothing to worry about. I'm looking forward to the second shot."
On December 18, US Vice President Mike Pence and his wife Karen Pence as well as Surgeon General of the United States Vice Admiral Jerome Adams received the coronavirus vaccine. Speaker of the United States House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and a number of other legislators also got the jab.
The United States Food and Drug Administration of the Department of Health and Human Services authorized a vaccine developed by Pfizer and BioNTech for emergency use on December 11. The vaccine is 95% effective after the second dose. The US administered the first shots of the vaccine on December 14.


tass--2020-12-22--New spiral of US sanctions gives additional impetus for work, Rostec says

MOSCOW , December 22 .
/TASS/ .
Russia ’ s Rostec State Corporation has branded its inclusion in the US sanctions list as another spiral of unfriendly steps , which will become an additional impetus to work .
`` We have already forgotten what it means to live without sanctions .
So , there is nothing new here .
This is another spiral of unfriendly steps and an additional impetus for us to work even better , '' the state corporation , which promotes the development , production and export of high-tech industrial products , said .
The United States @ @ @ @ @ @ @ list of Russian and Chinese companies and enterprises , which Washington suspects of cooperating with the two countries ’ military .
The entities on this list will not be able to purchase a number of US goods and technologies .
A total of 58 Chinese and 45 Russian entities have been put on this list .
Among them are the Admiralty Shipyard ( part of JSC United Shipbuilding Corporation ) , the United Aircraft Corporation , the Federal State Budgetary Enterprise Special Flight Unit Rossiya of the Administration of the President of Russia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rostec , Russian Helicopters , Sukhoi Civil Aircraft , Tupolev JSC , JSC Rocket and Space Center - Progress and institutes of the Rosatom State Nuclear Energy Corporation .

MOSCOW, December 22. /TASS/. Russia’s Rostec State Corporation has branded its inclusion in the US sanctions list as another spiral of unfriendly steps, which will become an additional impetus to work.
"We have already forgotten what it means to live without sanctions. So, there is nothing new here. This is another spiral of unfriendly steps and an additional impetus for us to work even better," the state corporation, which promotes the development, production and export of high-tech industrial products, said.
The United States Department of Commerce published on Monday a list of Russian and Chinese companies and enterprises, which Washington suspects of cooperating with the two countries’ military.
The entities on this list will not be able to purchase a number of US goods and technologies. A total of 58 Chinese and 45 Russian entities have been put on this list. Among them are the Admiralty Shipyard (part of JSC United Shipbuilding Corporation), the United Aircraft Corporation, the Federal State Budgetary Enterprise Special Flight Unit Rossiya of the Administration of the President of Russia, the Irkut Corporation, Oboronprom, Rostec, Russian Helicopters, Sukhoi Civil Aircraft, Tupolev JSC, JSC Rocket and Space Center - Progress and institutes of the Rosatom State Nuclear Energy Corporation.


tass--2020-12-22--US publishes list of Russian and Chinese companies with alleged military ties

WASHINGTON , December 22 .
/TASS/ .
The United States Department of Commerce has published a list of 103 Russian and Chinese companies and enterprises , which Washington suspects of cooperating with the two countries ’ military .
The entities on this list will not be able to purchase a number of US goods and technologies .
A total of 58 Chinese and 45 Russian entities ( actually 41 as some structures are repeated ) have been put on this list .
Among them are the Admiralty Shipyard ( part of JSC United Shipbuilding Corporation ) , the United Aircraft @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Special Flight Unit Rossiya of the Administration of the President of Russia , the Irkut Corporation , Oboronprom , Rostec , Russian Helicopters , Sukhoi Civil Aircraft , Tupolev JSC , JSC Rocket and Space Center - Progress and institutes of the Rosatom State Nuclear Energy Corporation .
The US government has labeled these companies as ‘ military end users.
’ However , it ’ s unclear if all those entities on the list could be called so .
For example , the Kamensk-Uralsky Metallurgical Works J.S .
Co. , which supplies goods @ @ @ @ @ @ @ well as the Federal State Budgetary Enterprise Special Flight Unit Rossiya of the Administration of the President of Russia .
`` The U.S. Government has determined that these companies are ‘ military end users ’ for purposes of the ‘ military end user ’ control in the EAR that applies to specified items for exports , reexports , or transfers ( in-country ) to the China , Russia , and Venezuela when such items are destined for a prohibited ‘ military end user , ’ '' the statement said .
The initial list @ @ @ @ @ @ @ may be added or deleted from it pursuant to a determination made by the End-User Review Committee , the interagency body composed of Commerce , and the Departments of Defense , Energy , State , and the Treasury .
At least some Russian companies and entities on the new blacklist had already been targeted by various US sanctions and restrictions , including a ban on importing certain US goods .

WASHINGTON, December 22. /TASS/. The United States Department of Commerce has published a list of 103 Russian and Chinese companies and enterprises, which Washington suspects of cooperating with the two countries’ military.
The entities on this list will not be able to purchase a number of US goods and technologies.
A total of 58 Chinese and 45 Russian entities (actually 41 as some structures are repeated) have been put on this list. Among them are the Admiralty Shipyard (part of JSC United Shipbuilding Corporation), the United Aircraft Corporation, the Federal State Budgetary Enterprise Special Flight Unit Rossiya of the Administration of the President of Russia, the Irkut Corporation, Oboronprom, Rostec, Russian Helicopters, Sukhoi Civil Aircraft, Tupolev JSC, JSC Rocket and Space Center - Progress and institutes of the Rosatom State Nuclear Energy Corporation.
The US government has labeled these companies as ‘military end users.’ However, it’s unclear if all those entities on the list could be called so. For example, the Kamensk-Uralsky Metallurgical Works J.S. Co., which supplies goods to the US and Canada, as well as the Federal State Budgetary Enterprise Special Flight Unit Rossiya of the Administration of the President of Russia.
"The U.S. Government has determined that these companies are ‘military end users’ for purposes of the ‘military end user’ control in the EAR that applies to specified items for exports, reexports, or transfers (in-country) to the China, Russia, and Venezuela when such items are destined for a prohibited ‘military end user,’" the statement said.
The initial list includes 103 companies, while additional parties may be added or deleted from it pursuant to a determination made by the End-User Review Committee, the interagency body composed of Commerce, and the Departments of Defense, Energy, State, and the Treasury.
At least some Russian companies and entities on the new blacklist had already been targeted by various US sanctions and restrictions, including a ban on importing certain US goods.


tass--2020-12-22--Moscow’s coronavirus death toll climbs by 71 in the past day

MOSCOW , December 22 .
/TASS/ .
Another 71 patients died from COVID-19 in Moscow over the past day , @ @ @ @ @ and monitoring the situation with the coronavirus reported on Monday .
`` Seventy-one patients died @ @ @ @ @ a confirmed pneumonia and a positive test for the coronavirus infection , '' the crisis @ @ @ @ @ start of the pandemic , a total of 10,540 people have died from the coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ Moscow ranks top among Russian regions for the number of confirmed coronavirus cases .
As @ @ @ @ @ has reported 743,697 coronavirus cases , including 7,797 in the past day , and 572,541 @ @ @ @ @ mln people have been infected worldwide and some 1.7 mln deaths have been reported since @ @ @ @ @ pandemic .
To date , 2,877,727 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia , with @ @ @ @ @ the disease .
Russia ’ s latest data indicates 51,351 fatalities nationwide .
Earlier , @ @ @ @ @ an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation .

MOSCOW, December 22. /TASS/. Another 71 patients died from COVID-19 in Moscow over the past day, the crisis center for controlling and monitoring the situation with the coronavirus reported on Monday.
"Seventy-one patients died in Moscow, who had a confirmed pneumonia and a positive test for the coronavirus infection," the crisis center said.
Since the start of the pandemic, a total of 10,540 people have died from the coronavirus in the Russian capital. Moscow ranks top among Russian regions for the number of confirmed coronavirus cases. As of December 21, Moscow has reported 743,697 coronavirus cases, including 7,797 in the past day, and 572,541 recoveries.
More than 76.8 mln people have been infected worldwide and some 1.7 mln deaths have been reported since the start of the coronavirus pandemic. To date, 2,877,727 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 2,295,362 patients having recovered from the disease. Russia’s latest data indicates 51,351 fatalities nationwide. Earlier, the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation.


tass--2020-12-21--Russia’s sanitary watchdog controls situation with new coronavirus mutation

MOSCOW , December 21 .
/TASS/ .
The situation with a new coronavirus mutation detected in the UK remains under control of the Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing , the agency ’ s press service reported on Monday .
`` In all regions of the Russian Federation a regular collection of material from COVID-19 patients has been organized .
All samples are received by the reference center on monitoring of coronavirus infectious diseases of the Vector State Research Center of Virology and Biotechnology of the Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on studying the genetic variability of viruses .
The situation remains under control of the Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing , '' the statement said .
On December 14 , Britain ’ s Secretary of State for Health and Social Care Matt Hancock said British scientists had identified a new coronavirus strain that might be to blame for high infection rates in southeastern England .
UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson said that , according to the current findings , the new strain might be 70 % more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ proof yet of a greater risk of lethal outcome .
Some countries have suspended flights from the UK .
Russia suspended the air service with the UK beginning on December 22 for a week due to the new coronavirus strain detected there .

MOSCOW, December 21. /TASS/. The situation with a new coronavirus mutation detected in the UK remains under control of the Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing, the agency’s press service reported on Monday.
"In all regions of the Russian Federation a regular collection of material from COVID-19 patients has been organized. All samples are received by the reference center on monitoring of coronavirus infectious diseases of the Vector State Research Center of Virology and Biotechnology of the Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing which has a vast expertise on studying the genetic variability of viruses. The situation remains under control of the Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing," the statement said.
On December 14, Britain’s Secretary of State for Health and Social Care Matt Hancock said British scientists had identified a new coronavirus strain that might be to blame for high infection rates in southeastern England. UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson said that, according to the current findings, the new strain might be 70% more contagious, however, there is no proof yet of a greater risk of lethal outcome. Some countries have suspended flights from the UK.
Russia suspended the air service with the UK beginning on December 22 for a week due to the new coronavirus strain detected there.


tass--2020-12-21--Navalny’s so-called investigation into his poisoning a provocation, FSB says

MOSCOW , December 22 .
/TASS/ .
Russian blogger Alexey Navalny ’ s so-called investigation into its alleged poisoning with nerve agent is a provocation , prepared with support of foreign intelligence services , Russian Federal Security Service ( FSB ) press service told TASS .
`` The so-called ‘ investigation , ’ published by A. Navalny in the Internet about the actions allegedly taken against him is a planned provocation , aimed at discrediting of the FSB and its employees , which would be impossible , without the organizational and technical support of foreign intelligence services , '' the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stated that the video footage containing a phone call between Russian blogger Alexei Navalny and an alleged Federal Security Service ( FSB ) employee is a fake .
`` The video with the phone call is a fake .
The phone number spoofing is a well-known tool of foreign intelligence services , repeatedly utilized in anti-Russian actions , which rules out the possibility to determine the real sides of the conversation , '' the press service said .
An inspection was initiated in this regard , and a assessment will be provided over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a video footage of a phone call with a person , allegedly serving in a secret FSB division of eight people that allegedly organized his poisoning .
Last Thursday , Russian President Vladimir Putin mentioned that Navalny `` enjoys the support of US intelligence agencies . ''
`` If that is the case , then [ our ] intelligence agencies must , of course , watch over him .
But that does not mean he should be poisoned , who even cares about him ? ''
Putin said .
Following medical examinations and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ disruption of carbohydrate exchange . ''
The `` poisoning '' diagnosis was not confirmed , leaving no reason to initiate a criminal case in Russia .

MOSCOW, December 22. /TASS/. Russian blogger Alexey Navalny’s so-called investigation into its alleged poisoning with nerve agent is a provocation, prepared with support of foreign intelligence services, Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) press service told TASS.
"The so-called ‘investigation,’ published by A. Navalny in the Internet about the actions allegedly taken against him is a planned provocation, aimed at discrediting of the FSB and its employees, which would be impossible, without the organizational and technical support of foreign intelligence services," the service underscored.
The intelligence agency also stated that the video footage containing a phone call between Russian blogger Alexei Navalny and an alleged Federal Security Service (FSB) employee is a fake.
"The video with the phone call is a fake. The phone number spoofing is a well-known tool of foreign intelligence services, repeatedly utilized in anti-Russian actions, which rules out the possibility to determine the real sides of the conversation," the press service said.
An inspection was initiated in this regard, and a assessment will be provided over its results.
Previously, Navalny published a video footage of a phone call with a person, allegedly serving in a secret FSB division of eight people that allegedly organized his poisoning.
Last Thursday, Russian President Vladimir Putin mentioned that Navalny "enjoys the support of US intelligence agencies."
"If that is the case, then [our] intelligence agencies must, of course, watch over him. But that does not mean he should be poisoned, who even cares about him?" Putin said.
Following medical examinations and research, Navalny was diagnosed with "disruption of carbohydrate exchange." The "poisoning" diagnosis was not confirmed, leaving no reason to initiate a criminal case in Russia.


tass--2020-12-21--Earlier symptoms serve as advantage of new coronavirus strain, says scientist

MOSCOW , December 21 .
/TASS/ .
Leading researcher of the Gamaleya National Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology Fyodor Lisitsyn has urged residents not to panic due to the spread of a new strain of the coronavirus .
According to him , the fact that upon an infection with the new strain the coronavirus symptoms are manifested earlier may positively influence the spread of the infection .
`` One shouldn ’ t panic too much because of this new strain < ... > .
When its properties are researched - we don ’ t even know for sure even @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , it might be confirmed or not .
On the other hand , this is a rapid coronavirus and its shortcoming has its advantages - the fact that with [ its ] more rapid spread the symptoms are displayed sooner .
An individual , instead of being a hidden carrier of the coronavirus and continuing to walk around infecting other people , gets sick quicker or < ... > [ is detected ] by a test and is isolated sooner , '' he said in an interview with the Russia-24 TV channel on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it remains to be determined which coronavirus strain is worse - the one when an individual can be a hidden carrier for a long time and infect others or the one when the symptoms are manifested earlier .
The scientist also reacted to the decision of some countries , including Russia , to temporarily suspend the air service with the UK .
According to him , `` it is better to do so than not . ''

MOSCOW, December 21. /TASS/. Leading researcher of the Gamaleya National Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology Fyodor Lisitsyn has urged residents not to panic due to the spread of a new strain of the coronavirus. According to him, the fact that upon an infection with the new strain the coronavirus symptoms are manifested earlier may positively influence the spread of the infection.
"One shouldn’t panic too much because of this new strain <...>. When its properties are researched - we don’t even know for sure even, so far this is hot information, it might be confirmed or not. On the other hand, this is a rapid coronavirus and its shortcoming has its advantages - the fact that with [its] more rapid spread the symptoms are displayed sooner. An individual, instead of being a hidden carrier of the coronavirus and continuing to walk around infecting other people, gets sick quicker or <...> [is detected] by a test and is isolated sooner," he said in an interview with the Russia-24 TV channel on Monday.
According to the expert, it remains to be determined which coronavirus strain is worse - the one when an individual can be a hidden carrier for a long time and infect others or the one when the symptoms are manifested earlier. The scientist also reacted to the decision of some countries, including Russia, to temporarily suspend the air service with the UK. According to him, "it is better to do so than not."