tass--2020-04-28--Number of coronavirus cases worldwide up by over 85,000 in past day — WHO

GENEVA , April 28 .
/TASS/ .
The number of people infected with the novel coronavirus worldwide has increased by more than 85,000 between April 26 and April 27 , which is slightly more than on the previous day .
The number of deaths grew by almost 5,000 , or about one thousand less than on the previous day .
As of 11:00 Moscow time on April 27 , as many as 2,878,196 novel coronavirus cases and 198,668 coronavirus-associated deaths were registered across the globe .
The number of confirmed cases grew by 85,530 in the past 24 hours and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Europe accounts for the majority of confirmed cases and fatalities - 1,359,380 and 122,525 respectively .
In the past 24 hours , the number of cases grew by 29,659 and the number of deaths - by 2,307 .
The number confirmed COVID-2019 cases in South and North America reached 1,140,520 and the number of deaths stands at 58,492 .
In the past 24 hours , the number of cases grew by 45,674 and the number of deaths - by 2,453 .
The Eastern Mediterranean region is third , with 165,933 cases and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus cases were reported from the United States ( 931,698 ) , Spain ( 207 634 ) , Italy ( 197 675 ) , Germany ( 155 193 ) , the United Kingdom ( 152 844 ) , France ( 123 279 ) , Turkey ( 110 130 ) , Iran ( 90 481 ) , Russia ( 87,147 ) and China ( 84,341 ) .
A pneumonia outbreak caused by the COVID-19 virus ( previously known as 2019-nCoV ) was reported in China ’ s city of Wuhan , a large trade @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 12 million , in late December 2019 .
Since then , cases of the new coronavirus have been reported from nearly all parts of the world .
On March 11 , 2020 , the World Health Organization ( WHO ) declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic .
The WHO statistics is based only on officially confirmed information about deaths and confirmed cases , provided by national governments .

GENEVA, April 28. /TASS/. The number of people infected with the novel coronavirus worldwide has increased by more than 85,000 between April 26 and April 27, which is slightly more than on the previous day.
The number of deaths grew by almost 5,000, or about one thousand less than on the previous day.
As of 11:00 Moscow time on April 27, as many as 2,878,196 novel coronavirus cases and 198,668 coronavirus-associated deaths were registered across the globe. The number of confirmed cases grew by 85,530 in the past 24 hours and the number of fatalities increased by 4,982.
Europe accounts for the majority of confirmed cases and fatalities - 1,359,380 and 122,525 respectively. In the past 24 hours, the number of cases grew by 29,659 and the number of deaths - by 2,307.
The number confirmed COVID-2019 cases in South and North America reached 1,140,520 and the number of deaths stands at 58,492. In the past 24 hours, the number of cases grew by 45,674 and the number of deaths - by 2,453.
The Eastern Mediterranean region is third, with 165,933 cases and 6,991 deaths.
The biggest number of coronavirus cases were reported from the United States (931,698), Spain (207 634), Italy (197 675), Germany (155 193), the United Kingdom (152 844), France (123 279), Turkey (110 130), Iran (90 481), Russia (87,147) and China (84,341).
A pneumonia outbreak caused by the COVID-19 virus (previously known as 2019-nCoV) was reported in China’s city of Wuhan, a large trade and industrial center with a population of 12 million, in late December 2019. Since then, cases of the new coronavirus have been reported from nearly all parts of the world. On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic.
The WHO statistics is based only on officially confirmed information about deaths and confirmed cases, provided by national governments.


tass--2020-04-28--Number of people starving in West Africa might grow five-fold after pandemic — UN agency

ROME , April 28 .
/TASS/ .
The number of starving people in West Africa might increase five-fold if the global epidemiological situation continues to worsen , Food and Agriculture Organization ( FAO ) Resilience Coordinator for West Africa Coumba Sow said in an interview .
According to her , the problem of food shortages , caused by draughts , locust outbreaks and conflicts in West Africa and the Sahel region , is now aggravated by the pandemic .
`` Across West Africa , as of April , over 11 million people need immediate food assistance - mostly due to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rising , potentially reaching 17 million during the lean season ( June-August ) if we do n't respond fast , '' she said .
`` If the pandemic worsens , as many as 50 million more people could face a food crisis in the region . ''
`` Those who are already hungry , or already hungry and displaced , will be at extreme risk , '' the expert went on .
`` Malnutrition rates in the Sahel are one of the highest in the world .
Some 2.5 million children - more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mali and Niger - suffer from severe and acute malnutrition . ''
The pandemic will affect local farmers , who might face a lower supply of fertilizers and seeds , the closure of stores and markets , and reduced assistance amid the pandemic .
`` As most of West Africa is already affected by other complex crises , our first priority is to safeguard and maintain our current emergency response , especially activities supporting the upcoming agricultural campaign , which will help mitigate the effects of COVID-19 on food security , '' the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ West Africa is already affected by other complex crises , our first priority is to safeguard and maintain our current emergency response , especially activities supporting the upcoming agricultural campaign , which will help mitigate the effects of COVID-19 on food security . ''
At the same time , she added that FAO response measures in the region face funding shortages .

ROME, April 28. /TASS/. The number of starving people in West Africa might increase five-fold if the global epidemiological situation continues to worsen, Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Resilience Coordinator for West Africa Coumba Sow said in an interview.
According to her, the problem of food shortages, caused by draughts, locust outbreaks and conflicts in West Africa and the Sahel region, is now aggravated by the pandemic.
"Across West Africa, as of April, over 11 million people need immediate food assistance - mostly due to conflict. And this number will continue rising, potentially reaching 17 million during the lean season (June-August) if we don't respond fast," she said. "If the pandemic worsens, as many as 50 million more people could face a food crisis in the region."
"Those who are already hungry, or already hungry and displaced, will be at extreme risk," the expert went on. "Malnutrition rates in the Sahel are one of the highest in the world. Some 2.5 million children - more than a quarter in Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger - suffer from severe and acute malnutrition."
The pandemic will affect local farmers, who might face a lower supply of fertilizers and seeds, the closure of stores and markets, and reduced assistance amid the pandemic.
"As most of West Africa is already affected by other complex crises, our first priority is to safeguard and maintain our current emergency response, especially activities supporting the upcoming agricultural campaign, which will help mitigate the effects of COVID-19 on food security," the expert said. "As most of West Africa is already affected by other complex crises, our first priority is to safeguard and maintain our current emergency response, especially activities supporting the upcoming agricultural campaign, which will help mitigate the effects of COVID-19 on food security."
At the same time, she added that FAO response measures in the region face funding shortages.


tass--2020-04-28--Russia’s Vepr nuclear sub to return to service in June — source

MOSCOW , April 28 .
/TASS/ .
Russia Vepr ( K-157 ) , a Project 971 Schuka-B class nuclear-powered attack @ @ @ @ @ after overhaul and modernization , and will return to service with the Russian Navy in @ @ @ @ @ source told TASS on Tuesday .
`` The Vepr nuclear sub has fully completed the @ @ @ @ @ submarine returned to the Nerpa ship-repair plant for minor fixes .
This work will continue @ @ @ @ @ '' the source said .
`` After a short period in the dry dock , @ @ @ @ @ to the fleet in early July . ''
The Zvezdochka shipyard , which incorporates the @ @ @ @ @ comment on the information .
Most Project 971 submarines went on combat duty in late @ @ @ @ @ The Vepr entered service with the Navy in 1995 .
It is the first upgraded @ @ @ @ @ Navy Commander-in-Chief Nikolai Yevmenov earlier said it was likely to become operational in April 2020 @ @ @ @ @ During the overhaul , the submarine was refitted to carry Kalibr-PL missiles .

MOSCOW, April 28. /TASS/. Russia Vepr (K-157), a Project 971 Schuka-B class nuclear-powered attack submarine, has completed trials after overhaul and modernization, and will return to service with the Russian Navy in June, a defense industry source told TASS on Tuesday.
"The Vepr nuclear sub has fully completed the program of trials. The submarine returned to the Nerpa ship-repair plant for minor fixes. This work will continue for about a month," the source said. "After a short period in the dry dock, it will be handed over to the fleet in early July."
The Zvezdochka shipyard, which incorporates the Nerpa facility, did not comment on the information.
Most Project 971 submarines went on combat duty in late 1980s - early 1990s. The Vepr entered service with the Navy in 1995. It is the first upgraded SSN with new weapons. Navy Commander-in-Chief Nikolai Yevmenov earlier said it was likely to become operational in April 2020 after a long break.
During the overhaul, the submarine was refitted to carry Kalibr-PL missiles.


tass--2020-04-28--Russia’s top diplomat to discuss coronavirus pandemic with BRICS colleagues

MOSCOW , April 28 .
/TASS/ .
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov will take part in a video conference of the top diplomats of the BRICS counties ( Brazil , Russia , India , China , South Africa ) on April 28 to discuss how the crisis , caused by the novel coronavirus pandemic , affects international relations .
The Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement issued ahead of the conference that `` the focus will be on the coronavirus pandemic ’ s impact on international relations . ''
`` The ministers will exchange views on joint measures that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 and overcome the financial , trade , economic and social consequences of the pandemic , '' the statement reads .
The meeting ’ s participants will also touch upon strategic partnership between the BRICS countries , including the schedule of events set to take place during Russia ’ s BRICS chairmanship this year , the ministry added .
According to a report released by the Valdai International Discussion Club last week , BRICS should more actively assume the functions of a global institution as traditional Western centers of power start to weaken @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` BRICS and the Rivalry Pandemic , '' responding to the novel coronavirus pandemic and its consequences should become a step in this direction .
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov said last week that BRICS nations encouraged interaction to combat various coronaviruses back when the Ufa summit in 2015 .

MOSCOW, April 28. /TASS/. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov will take part in a video conference of the top diplomats of the BRICS counties (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) on April 28 to discuss how the crisis, caused by the novel coronavirus pandemic, affects international relations.
The Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement issued ahead of the conference that "the focus will be on the coronavirus pandemic’s impact on international relations." "The ministers will exchange views on joint measures that the five countries could take to combat COVID-19 and overcome the financial, trade, economic and social consequences of the pandemic," the statement reads.
The meeting’s participants will also touch upon strategic partnership between the BRICS countries, including the schedule of events set to take place during Russia’s BRICS chairmanship this year, the ministry added.
According to a report released by the Valdai International Discussion Club last week, BRICS should more actively assume the functions of a global institution as traditional Western centers of power start to weaken. According to the report, headlined "BRICS and the Rivalry Pandemic," responding to the novel coronavirus pandemic and its consequences should become a step in this direction.
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov said last week that BRICS nations encouraged interaction to combat various coronaviruses back when the Ufa summit in 2015.


tass--2020-04-28--Group of Ukrainian pro-presidential party lawmakers oppose nationwide quarantine

KIEV , April 28 .
/TASS/ .
A group of Ukrainian lawmakers from the pro-presidential party , the Servant of the People , have spoken out against nationwide quarantine in Ukraine , the faction ’ s deputy leader Yevgenia Kravchuk said on her Facebook page .
She warned of a looming economic and labor crisis in the country against the backdrop of the pandemic .
`` The majority of the population was in fact left without work and without money , and we can not ignore this , '' she said .
In that regard , a group of lawmakers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ requested Prime Minister Denish Shmygal to review the possibility of easing restrictions in regions with relatively low number of cases .
`` Fires should be extinguished at places where they burn .
The same applies to anti-coronavirus measures .
Various regions of the country demonstrate a noticeable difference in the number of cases .
For example , the Chernovtsy region has 1,314 cases , while Chernigov - only 22 .
It would be logical if restrictive measures were different in those regions as well , '' she said , adding that she was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ request to the country ’ s premier .

KIEV, April 28. /TASS/. A group of Ukrainian lawmakers from the pro-presidential party, the Servant of the People, have spoken out against nationwide quarantine in Ukraine, the faction’s deputy leader Yevgenia Kravchuk said on her Facebook page.
She warned of a looming economic and labor crisis in the country against the backdrop of the pandemic.
"The majority of the population was in fact left without work and without money, and we cannot ignore this," she said.
In that regard, a group of lawmakers from the Servant of the People party requested Prime Minister Denish Shmygal to review the possibility of easing restrictions in regions with relatively low number of cases.
"Fires should be extinguished at places where they burn. The same applies to anti-coronavirus measures. Various regions of the country demonstrate a noticeable difference in the number of cases. For example, the Chernovtsy region has 1,314 cases, while Chernigov - only 22. It would be logical if restrictive measures were different in those regions as well," she said, adding that she was among those who had signed a relevant request to the country’s premier.


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

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

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


tass--2020-04-29--Over 300 Russians to fly back home from US, consulate says

NEW YORK , April 29 .
/TASS/ .
More than 300 Russians are expected to be evacuated by Aeroflot ’ s flight from New York to Moscow on Wednesday , official spokesman for Russia ’ s consulate general in New York , Alexei Topolsky , who arrived at JFK International Airport , said .
`` The total number of passengers is nearly 320 , '' Topolsky said , noting that among them are `` elderly and ill people as well as schoolchildren . ''
The consulate ’ s diplomats are currently monitoring the situation at the airport .
`` We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
`` We have taken with us protective masks and handed them over first of all to children and elderly people , '' he said .
Aeroflot ’ s flight is scheduled to take off from JFK International Airport in New York at 19:20 on Tuesday local time ( 02:20 Moscow Time on Wednesday ) .
The plane is due to land at Moscow ’ s Sheremetyevo Airport at 11:45 Moscow Time on Wednesday .
Russia ’ s Ambassador to the US Anatoly Antonov said on April 3 that more than 2,000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ informed diplomats about their wish to return home .
Two Aeroflot ’ s evacuation flights from the US to Russia were arranged to this aim .

NEW YORK, April 29. /TASS/. More than 300 Russians are expected to be evacuated by Aeroflot’s flight from New York to Moscow on Wednesday, official spokesman for Russia’s consulate general in New York, Alexei Topolsky, who arrived at JFK International Airport, said.
"The total number of passengers is nearly 320," Topolsky said, noting that among them are "elderly and ill people as well as schoolchildren." The consulate’s diplomats are currently monitoring the situation at the airport. "We will stay here until the registration ends." "We have taken with us protective masks and handed them over first of all to children and elderly people," he said.
Aeroflot’s flight is scheduled to take off from JFK International Airport in New York at 19:20 on Tuesday local time (02:20 Moscow Time on Wednesday). The plane is due to land at Moscow’s Sheremetyevo Airport at 11:45 Moscow Time on Wednesday.
Russia’s Ambassador to the US Anatoly Antonov said on April 3 that more than 2,000 Russians staying in the United States had informed diplomats about their wish to return home. Two Aeroflot’s evacuation flights from the US to Russia were arranged to this aim.


tass--2020-04-29--Number of coronavirus-associated deaths in Moscow exceeds 500 - crisis center

MOSCOW , April 29 .
/TASS/ .
The number of coronavirus-associated deaths in Moscow has exceeded 500 , with 67 coronavirus-positive patients having died over the past day , the anti-coronavirus crisis center said on Tuesday .
`` Sixty-seven coronavirus-positive patients diagnosed with pneumonia have died in Moscow , '' it said , adding that the overall number of coronavirus-related deaths has reached 546 .
The center once again called for strict observance of the coronavirus lockdowns and recalled that these measures have been extended until May 11 .
In late December 2019 , Chinese officials notified the World Health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan , in central China .
Since then , cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe , including Russia .
On March 11 , 2020 , the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic .
According to the latest statistics , over 3,000,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 211,000 deaths have been reported .
In addition , so far , over 923,000 individuals have recovered from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a total of 93,558 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia , with 8,456 patients having recovered from the virus .
Earlier , the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation .

MOSCOW, April 29. /TASS/. The number of coronavirus-associated deaths in Moscow has exceeded 500, with 67 coronavirus-positive patients having died over the past day, the anti-coronavirus crisis center said on Tuesday.
"Sixty-seven coronavirus-positive patients diagnosed with pneumonia have died in Moscow," it said, adding that the overall number of coronavirus-related deaths has reached 546.
The center once again called for strict observance of the coronavirus lockdowns and recalled that these measures have been extended until May 11.
In late December 2019, Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization (WHO) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, in central China. Since then, cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe, including Russia.
On March 11, 2020, the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic. According to the latest statistics, over 3,000,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 211,000 deaths have been reported. In addition, so far, over 923,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe.
To date, a total of 93,558 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 8,456 patients having recovered from the virus. Earlier, the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation.


tass--2020-04-28--Coronavirus lockdown measures in Moscow expended until May 11

According to the mayor , schoolchildren will have no classes in a period from May 1 through 11 .
`` However difficult it may be to take such a decision but today I signed a decree expending all the restrictions that are now in place in Moscow until May 11 , '' he wrote on his blog .
`` Please stay at home during the May Day holidays . ''
MOSCOW , April 28 .
/TASS/ .
Moscow ’ s Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said on Tuesday he has signed a decree extending the coronavirus lockdown regime in the city until @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that jobless city dwellers will be paid an additional monthly allowance of 3,000 rubles ( 40.5 US dollars ) per each minor child .
`` This money will be paid in addition to the federal unemployment benefit , '' Sobyanin noted .
As for children ’ s summer vacations , the mayor said that the city ’ s authorities have suspended work on the organization of summer camps for children until July 31 .
He noted that about 17,000 Moscow residents diagnosed with the coronavirus infection are currently undergoing treatment at hospitals .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the coronavirus infection and staying at hospitals has increased to 17,000 .
Hundreds are in intensive care wards and connected to lung ventilators .
From thirty to forty die every day , '' he wrote .
`` Every day I read appeals and requests to ease the lockdown regime .
Believe me , I want to do it like all of you .
But it would be an irresponsible and populist decision in this conditions , which will inevitably entail morbidity and mortality growth , '' he stressed .
He thanked the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' they are showing in this difficult period .
`` Today , people ’ s lives and health literally depend on each of us , '' he emphasized .
In his words , as soon as the morbidity rate slows down , the authorities will begin to ease the restrictions .
`` But the lockdown regime should be strictly observed in the coming days .
We rely on your support .
We can cope with this situation only together , '' he added .
Apart from that , under the decree , beauty @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , canteens and other public catering outlets will stay close until May 11 but for those operating in the take-away and delivery formats .
The ban on sports , entertainment and public events , as well as on mass gatherings will also stay in place until May 11 .
Believers are recommended to refrain from visiting churches .
The self-isolation regime in Moscow was imposed on March 29 .
People of all ages are to stay at home , but for cases when they need emergency medical assistance or have to continue to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leave their homes to buy food , dispose garbage or walk a pet to a distance of 100 meters from the house .
A system of digital passes for travels by private and public transport came into force in Moscow from April 15 .

According to the mayor, schoolchildren will have no classes in a period from May 1 through 11.
"However difficult it may be to take such a decision but today I signed a decree expending all the restrictions that are now in place in Moscow until May 11," he wrote on his blog. "Please stay at home during the May Day holidays."
MOSCOW, April 28. /TASS/. Moscow’s Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said on Tuesday he has signed a decree extending the coronavirus lockdown regime in the city until May 11.
The mayor also announced that jobless city dwellers will be paid an additional monthly allowance of 3,000 rubles (40.5 US dollars) per each minor child. "This money will be paid in addition to the federal unemployment benefit," Sobyanin noted.
As for children’s summer vacations, the mayor said that the city’s authorities have suspended work on the organization of summer camps for children until July 31.
He noted that about 17,000 Moscow residents diagnosed with the coronavirus infection are currently undergoing treatment at hospitals. "The number of Moscow residents diagnosed with the coronavirus infection and staying at hospitals has increased to 17,000. Hundreds are in intensive care wards and connected to lung ventilators. From thirty to forty die every day," he wrote.
"Every day I read appeals and requests to ease the lockdown regime. Believe me, I want to do it like all of you. But it would be an irresponsible and populist decision in this conditions, which will inevitably entail morbidity and mortality growth," he stressed.
He thanked the city dwellers "for understanding and patience" they are showing in this difficult period. "Today, people’s lives and health literally depend on each of us," he emphasized.
In his words, as soon as the morbidity rate slows down, the authorities will begin to ease the restrictions.
"But the lockdown regime should be strictly observed in the coming days. We rely on your support. We can cope with this situation only together," he added.
Apart from that, under the decree, beauty parlors, saunas, restaurants, cafes, canteens and other public catering outlets will stay close until May 11 but for those operating in the take-away and delivery formats. The ban on sports, entertainment and public events, as well as on mass gatherings will also stay in place until May 11. Believers are recommended to refrain from visiting churches.
The self-isolation regime in Moscow was imposed on March 29. People of all ages are to stay at home, but for cases when they need emergency medical assistance or have to continue to work. People are also allowed to leave their homes to buy food, dispose garbage or walk a pet to a distance of 100 meters from the house.
A system of digital passes for travels by private and public transport came into force in Moscow from April 15.


tass--2020-04-28--Almost 40% of Russians believe that working remotely is more effective, study says

MOSCOW , April 28 .
/ TASS / .
About 38 % of office employees believe that working from home is more effective , 58 % of Russians adhere to the opposite opinion , according to the study done by Mail.Ru Group and ResearchMe , released on Tuesday .
`` More than half ( 58 % ) said that office work was more efficient .
Over a third ( 38 % ) of those polled said they could work productively from home , '' the study said .
According to a survey conducted in April among almost 6,000 Russians over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ majority of office workers ( 80 % ) are sure of the need to work remotely .
More than half of the respondents ( 55 % ) after the outbreak of a pandemic received advice from management to work from home .
Many did so : 84 % of respondents confirmed that they switched to working from home .
The respondents called the advantages of working from home is saving money and time getting to work ( 61 % ) , ability to easily distribute time between work and household chores ( 50 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 47 % ) .
At the same time , 57 % of respondents said that it was difficult for them to concentrate on tasks and not be distracted by household chores , 45 % missed professional communication and personal contact with colleagues , and 41 % complained about the lack of prompt feedback .

MOSCOW, April 28. / TASS /. About 38% of office employees believe that working from home is more effective, 58% of Russians adhere to the opposite opinion, according to the study done by Mail.Ru Group and ResearchMe, released on Tuesday.
"More than half (58%) said that office work was more efficient. Over a third (38%) of those polled said they could work productively from home," the study said.
According to a survey conducted in April among almost 6,000 Russians over 16 years of age, the vast majority of office workers (80%) are sure of the need to work remotely. More than half of the respondents (55%) after the outbreak of a pandemic received advice from management to work from home. Many did so: 84% of respondents confirmed that they switched to working from home.
The respondents called the advantages of working from home is saving money and time getting to work (61%), ability to easily distribute time between work and household chores (50%) and a flexible schedule (47%). At the same time, 57% of respondents said that it was difficult for them to concentrate on tasks and not be distracted by household chores, 45% missed professional communication and personal contact with colleagues, and 41% complained about the lack of prompt feedback.


tass--2020-04-28--Putin urges proactive response to coronavirus

`` We must act proactively , the way we have been doing it , and if necessary we must immediately take measures to increase the number of specialized hospital beds in the regions where the reserve that has been created may not be enough in the future , '' Putin stressed .
He also urged readiness for any coronavirus scenario .
NOVO-OGARYOVO , April 28./TASS/ .
Russia has been managing to act pre-emptively in its battle against coronavirus , and this is how it must act in the future , President Vladimir Putin told a session on the fight against @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It is for the first time that the globe has faced the coronavirus epidemic , he noted .
However , owing to the work of scientists and medics , we now know much more about this disease than we knew a short while ago .
This means that there is a possibility to be more precise in forecasts , strategy and tactics of action .
`` Besides , our own experience as well as the experience of other countries in the battle against the epidemic show that decisions made yesterday , may @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after tomorrow , '' the president warned .
He instructed the Ministry of Health to constantly monitor the situation across the country , in each region , and constantly update their plans given that the situation is changing practically on a daily basis .
To date , a total of 93,558 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia , with 8,456 patients having recovered from the virus .
Russia ’ s latest data indicates 867 fatalities nationwide .
Earlier , the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated @ @ @ @ @

"We must act proactively, the way we have been doing it, and if necessary we must immediately take measures to increase the number of specialized hospital beds in the regions where the reserve that has been created may not be enough in the future," Putin stressed. He also urged readiness for any coronavirus scenario.
NOVO-OGARYOVO, April 28./TASS/. Russia has been managing to act pre-emptively in its battle against coronavirus, and this is how it must act in the future, President Vladimir Putin told a session on the fight against the spread of COVID-19 in Russian regions.
It is for the first time that the globe has faced the coronavirus epidemic, he noted. However, owing to the work of scientists and medics, we now know much more about this disease than we knew a short while ago. This means that there is a possibility to be more precise in forecasts, strategy and tactics of action. "Besides, our own experience as well as the experience of other countries in the battle against the epidemic show that decisions made yesterday, may prove insufficient already tomorrow or the day after tomorrow," the president warned.
He instructed the Ministry of Health to constantly monitor the situation across the country, in each region, and constantly update their plans given that the situation is changing practically on a daily basis.
To date, a total of 93,558 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 8,456 patients having recovered from the virus. Russia’s latest data indicates 867 fatalities nationwide. Earlier, the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation.


tass--2020-04-28--Moody’s expects Russian GDP to go down by 5.5% in 2020

MOSCOW , April 28 .
/TASS/ .
The international rating agency Moody ’ s expects that Russia ’ s national @ @ @ @ @ % in 2020 but will grow by 2.2 % in 2021 , the agency said @ @ @ @ @ agency lowered the outlook for Russian GDP growth to 0.5 % on March 25 on @ @ @ @ @ prices and the coronavirus pandemic .
Moody ’ s also revised real GDP outlooks for @ @ @ @ @ all members of the Group of Twenty .
Oil prices are expected to remain low @ @ @ @ @ .

MOSCOW, April 28. /TASS/. The international rating agency Moody’s expects that Russia’s national GDP will decline by 5.5% in 2020 but will grow by 2.2% in 2021, the agency said on Tuesday.
The rating agency lowered the outlook for Russian GDP growth to 0.5% on March 25 on the back of falling oil prices and the coronavirus pandemic.
Moody’s also revised real GDP outlooks for 2020 and 2021 downward for all members of the Group of Twenty.
Oil prices are expected to remain low, the rating agency forecasts.


tass--2020-04-28--Putin reproaches with egoism people neglecting coronavirus restrictions

NOVO-OGARYOVO , April 28./TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin has reproached with egoism those Russians who put their freedom from @ @ @ @ @ of the others .
The freedom of one person depends entirely upon the freedom of @ @ @ @ @ `` And in fight against the infection this formula is more than appropriate .
And @ @ @ @ @ differently , putting their personal , not restricted by anything freedom above the interests and @ @ @ @ @ , they put their lives in jeopardy , '' Putin said .

NOVO-OGARYOVO, April 28./TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin has reproached with egoism those Russians who put their freedom from coronavirus restrictions above the safety of the others.
The freedom of one person depends entirely upon the freedom of others, he reiterated. "And in fight against the infection this formula is more than appropriate. And if some people prefer behaving differently, putting their personal, not restricted by anything freedom above the interests and the freedom or other people, they put their lives in jeopardy," Putin said.


tass--2020-04-28--Coronavirus spread dynamics in Russia slow down considerably, says Moscow’s mayor

MOSCOW , April 28 .
/TASS/ .
Coronavirus morbidity dynamic in Moscow and in Russia has slowed down considerably over @ @ @ @ @ ’ s Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said on Tuesday .
`` Indeed , we see that @ @ @ @ @ in Moscow and in the country as compared with the previous week .
It has @ @ @ @ @ is has not subsided completely , '' he said at a government meeting on the @ @ @ @ @ To date , a total of 93,558 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia , @ @ @ @ @ from the virus .
Russia ’ s latest data indicates 867 fatalities nationwide .
Earlier @ @ @ @ @ up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation .

MOSCOW, April 28. /TASS/. Coronavirus morbidity dynamic in Moscow and in Russia has slowed down considerably over the past week, Moscow’s Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said on Tuesday.
"Indeed, we see that dynamics are much lower both in Moscow and in the country as compared with the previous week. It has practically halved. But it is has not subsided completely," he said at a government meeting on the coronavirus situation in Russia.
To date, a total of 93,558 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 8,456 patients having recovered from the virus. Russia’s latest data indicates 867 fatalities nationwide. Earlier, the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation.


tass--2020-04-28--Each fifth tested medic in Moscow has immunity to coronavirus

MOSCOW , April 28 .
/TASS/ .
Each fifth medic in Moscow who have been tested for coronavirus antibodies has @ @ @ @ @ Anna Popova , chief of Russia ’ s sanitary watchdog , said on Tuesday .
@ @ @ @ @ we have tested more than 3,200 people with the use of the domestic testing system @ @ @ @ @ have demonstrated that 20 % of them have immunity .
It is acquired immunity , @ @ @ @ @ government meeting on the coronavirus situation in Russia .

MOSCOW, April 28. /TASS/. Each fifth medic in Moscow who have been tested for coronavirus antibodies has immunity to the infection, Anna Popova, chief of Russia’s sanitary watchdog, said on Tuesday.
"As of today, we have tested more than 3,200 people with the use of the domestic testing system. And the first results have demonstrated that 20% of them have immunity. It is acquired immunity," she said at a government meeting on the coronavirus situation in Russia.


tass--2020-04-28--Putin: Russia to hold Victory Day Parade on Red Square after coronavirus threat is over

NOVO-OGARYOVO , April 28 .
/TASS/ .
Russia will hold the military parade on Moscow ’ s Red Square to @ @ @ @ @ the Soviet Union ’ s Victory over Nazi Germany in the 1941-1945 Great Patriotic War @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus spread is over , Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Tuesday .
`` All @ @ @ @ @ of the 75th anniversary of the Victory will necessarily take place .
We will hold @ @ @ @ @ Red Square and the Immortal Regiment march , '' the head of state said , @ @ @ @ @ the Russian president stressed , `` we will worthily celebrate the jubilee date of the @ @ @ @ @ confidence that the situation is fully safe and , first of all , twice as @ @ @ @ @ , '' the Russian president stressed .

NOVO-OGARYOVO, April 28. /TASS/. Russia will hold the military parade on Moscow’s Red Square to mark the 75th anniversary of the Soviet Union’s Victory over Nazi Germany in the 1941-1945 Great Patriotic War when the threat of the coronavirus spread is over, Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Tuesday.
"All that we planned in honor of the 75th anniversary of the Victory will necessarily take place. We will hold both the main parade on Red Square and the Immortal Regiment march," the head of state said, addressing Russian citizens.
As the Russian president stressed, "we will worthily celebrate the jubilee date of the Victory when there is the confidence that the situation is fully safe and, first of all, twice as safe for our war veterans," the Russian president stressed.


tass--2020-04-28--Putin expresses condolences to Russians who lost loved ones due to coronavirus

NOVO-OGAREVO , April 28 .
/TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed his condolences to all Russian citizens who lost @ @ @ @ @ the coronavirus epidemic .
`` Dear friends , my deep condolences to all of you @ @ @ @ @ and irreparable loss of their loved ones , '' he said addressing citizens after a @ @ @ @ @ of coronavirus in the regions .
Putin noted that he understands how difficult this is @

NOVO-OGAREVO, April 28. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed his condolences to all Russian citizens who lost their loved ones due to the coronavirus epidemic.
"Dear friends, my deep condolences to all of you who are suffering from grief and irreparable loss of their loved ones," he said addressing citizens after a meeting on countering the spread of coronavirus in the regions. Putin noted that he understands how difficult this is.


tass--2020-04-28--French prime minister warns about the risk of second wave of coronavirus

PARIS , April 28./TASS/ .
The French authorities see as serious the risk of a second wave of coronavirus in the country , Prime Minister Edouard Philippe told the National Assembly ( lower house of parliament ) on Tuesday .
`` The risk of the emergence of a second wave is seen as serious , '' he told parliamentarians , presenting a plan for easing the lockdown imposed in the country amid the pandemic .
`` It is necessary to cautiously but determinedly get the country out of the self-isolation mode , '' the prime minister stressed .
According to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ took to restrict the movement of people have proved efficient .
`` It has become an efficient instrument in the battle against the virus .
The number of coronavirus cases has been declining since April 14 .
The decline is slow but steady , '' he stressed .
On March 17 , France imposed the lockdown , the aim of which is to maximally restrict movement .
Cafes , restaurants , hotels as well as shops , that don ’ t sell essentials , are closed .
It is expected that after May @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gradually ease restrictions , but will make wearing facemasks compulsory on transport and at schools .
Social distancing will also be maintained .
According to updated reports , the overall number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in France has amounted to 128,339 since the epidemic hit the country .
Over 23,000 people have died .
In late December 2019 , Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization ( WHO ) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan , in central China .
Since then , cases of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe , including Russia .
On March 11 , 2020 , the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic .
According to the latest statistics , over 3,000,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 211,000 deaths have been reported .
In addition , so far , over 923,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe .

PARIS, April 28./TASS/. The French authorities see as serious the risk of a second wave of coronavirus in the country, Prime Minister Edouard Philippe told the National Assembly (lower house of parliament) on Tuesday.
"The risk of the emergence of a second wave is seen as serious," he told parliamentarians, presenting a plan for easing the lockdown imposed in the country amid the pandemic. "It is necessary to cautiously but determinedly get the country out of the self-isolation mode," the prime minister stressed.
According to Edouard Philippe, the measures the government took to restrict the movement of people have proved efficient. "It has become an efficient instrument in the battle against the virus. The number of coronavirus cases has been declining since April 14. The decline is slow but steady," he stressed.
On March 17, France imposed the lockdown, the aim of which is to maximally restrict movement. Cafes, restaurants, hotels as well as shops, that don’t sell essentials, are closed. It is expected that after May 11, the authorities will begin to gradually ease restrictions, but will make wearing facemasks compulsory on transport and at schools. Social distancing will also be maintained.
According to updated reports, the overall number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in France has amounted to 128,339 since the epidemic hit the country. Over 23,000 people have died.
In late December 2019, Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization (WHO) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, in central China. Since then, cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe, including Russia.
On March 11, 2020, the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic. According to the latest statistics, over 3,000,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 211,000 deaths have been reported. In addition, so far, over 923,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe.


tass--2020-04-28--Over 500 labs in Russia conduct tests for coronavirus, says sanitary watchdog chief

MOSCOW , April 28 .
/TASS/ .
More than 500 laboratories in Russia conduct tests for the novel coronavirus , @ @ @ @ @ Russia ’ s sanitary watchdog , said on Tuesday .
`` As of today , @ @ @ @ @ has been established .
Now there are 506 such laboratories , '' she said at @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus situation in Russia .

MOSCOW, April 28. /TASS/. More than 500 laboratories in Russia conduct tests for the novel coronavirus, Anna Popova, chief of Russia’s sanitary watchdog, said on Tuesday.
"As of today, a wide network of laboratories has been established. Now there are 506 such laboratories," she said at a government meeting on the coronavirus situation in Russia.


tass--2020-04-28--Upcoming days to be crucial for coronavirus battle, says Putin

Press review : Trump , Macron seek to reform WHO and anti-EU sentiment on the rise in Italy Top stories @ @ @ @ @ Tuesday , April 28

Biden says alternative to sanctions against Russia would be Third World War
"Russia will pay a serious price for this short term and long term, particularly long term," the US leader stressed
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tass--2020-04-28--Russia will launch national action plan to normalize economy, says Putin

`` I instruct the government in the near future to develop a new , next package of urgent measures to support the economy and citizens , '' the President said .
NOVO-OGAREVO , April 28 .
/ TASS / .
Russian President Vladimir Putin instructed to prepare a new package of urgent measures to support business and citizens in the near future , as well as to begin developing a nationwide plan for economic recovery in the aftermath of the epidemic , said he at a meeting in video conference with the heads of the regions on Tuesday .
Putin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and business hard , `` many individual entrepreneurs , self-employed citizens , small companies , including family owned enterprises , in the development of which people have invested their strength , labor , savings , and hopes for years , have faced acute problems . ''
`` We must support them , give them confidence in the future , '' President Putin said .
`` But that ’ s not all , '' the he continued .
`` I ask the government , together with the regions and business , to start preparing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plan to normalize business life , to restore employment , incomes and economic growth . ''
According to President Putin , it is necessary now to prepare the necessary decisions and consolidate resources for them so that it would be possible to deploy this kind of program `` at full capacity in a coordinated manner , synchronously with the phased exit from the epidemiological situation and the associated restrictions . ''
Putin emphasized that the strategic objective of this national action plan would be `` not only to stabilize the situation , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Russian economy , taking into account the new reality that is now taking shape in the world .
`` .

"I instruct the government in the near future to develop a new, next package of urgent measures to support the economy and citizens," the President said.
NOVO-OGAREVO, April 28. / TASS /. Russian President Vladimir Putin instructed to prepare a new package of urgent measures to support business and citizens in the near future, as well as to begin developing a nationwide plan for economic recovery in the aftermath of the epidemic, said he at a meeting in video conference with the heads of the regions on Tuesday.
Putin noted that the epidemic had hit economics and business hard, "many individual entrepreneurs, self-employed citizens, small companies, including family owned enterprises, in the development of which people have invested their strength, labor, savings, and hopes for years, have faced acute problems." "We must support them, give them confidence in the future," President Putin said.
"But that’s not all," the he continued. "I ask the government, together with the regions and business, to start preparing for the future a large-scale national action plan to normalize business life, to restore employment, incomes and economic growth."
According to President Putin, it is necessary now to prepare the necessary decisions and consolidate resources for them so that it would be possible to deploy this kind of program "at full capacity in a coordinated manner, synchronously with the phased exit from the epidemiological situation and the associated restrictions."
Putin emphasized that the strategic objective of this national action plan would be "not only to stabilize the situation, but also to ensure long-term structural changes in the Russian economy, taking into account the new reality that is now taking shape in the world.".


tass--2020-04-28--Russia’s ambulance service: Over a century of helping people and saving lives

It would be US ‘golden dream’ to have nuclear weapons in Ukraine — diplomat
Maria Zakharova recalled that Italy and many other countries possess the US nuclear weapons but do not have access to them
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tass--2020-04-28--Lavrov says some P5 leaders need more time to prepare for coronavirus videoconference

MOSCOW , April 28./TASS/ .
Russia expected that a coronavirus-centered videoconference among the leaders of the United Nations Security Council Permanent Five could be held as early as this week , but other participants need additional time to get prepared , Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said after an informal videoconference among BRICS ’ foreign ministers on Tuesday .
`` Regarding a video conference by leaders of the UN Security Council permanent member states , that is being scheduled to discuss the coronavirus , there is no concrete date as of yet , '' he said .
`` We were ready @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as I understand some countries need to look further into the situation , '' the Russian diplomat added .
The five permanent members are now `` mulling over their contribution to formulating ways to fight coronavirus .
For this , a videoconference has been coordinated in principle .
The precise date for holding it is now under consideration , '' the foreign minister said on Monday .
On January 23 , Russian President Vladimir Putin delivered a speech at the Jerusalem-hosted World Holocaust Forum when he proposed organizing a summit for the five @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in 2020 .
On March 11 , 2020 , the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic .
According to the latest statistics , over 3,000,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 211,000 deaths have been reported .
In addition , so far , over 923,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe .

MOSCOW, April 28./TASS/. Russia expected that a coronavirus-centered videoconference among the leaders of the United Nations Security Council Permanent Five could be held as early as this week, but other participants need additional time to get prepared, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said after an informal videoconference among BRICS’ foreign ministers on Tuesday.
"Regarding a video conference by leaders of the UN Security Council permanent member states, that is being scheduled to discuss the coronavirus, there is no concrete date as of yet," he said. "We were ready to hold it this week, but as I understand some countries need to look further into the situation," the Russian diplomat added.
The five permanent members are now "mulling over their contribution to formulating ways to fight coronavirus. For this, a videoconference has been coordinated in principle. The precise date for holding it is now under consideration," the foreign minister said on Monday.
On January 23, Russian President Vladimir Putin delivered a speech at the Jerusalem-hosted World Holocaust Forum when he proposed organizing a summit for the five permanent members of the UN Security Council in 2020.
On March 11, 2020, the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic. According to the latest statistics, over 3,000,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 211,000 deaths have been reported. In addition, so far, over 923,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe.


tass--2020-04-28--Production of individual protective gear in Russia not enough, says Putin

NOVO-OGARYOVO , April 28 .
/TASS/ .
Production of lung ventilators and protective gear has considerably increased in Russia , Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Tuesday , adding however that production of individual protective gear is not enough .
`` Whereas some 60-70 lung ventilators were manufactured in Russia a month by the beginning of the year , production grew to more than 800 in April and will further increased to 2,500 in May , '' Putin said at a government meeting on the coronavirus situation in the country .
`` Production of face masks has increased by more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ day at the beginning of the year to 8.5 million in April , '' he said .
`` Production of individual protective gear for medics was 3,000 a day in March , and will be 100,000 a day by late April , and more than 150,000 by mid-May , '' Putin noted .
`` The figure is quite big as compared with what we has not long ago but is not enough now , '' he stressed .
According to the president , despite the growth of domestic production and large imports , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He demanded the ministry of industry and trade `` organize work to increase production daily . ''
`` As for testing systems , our industry has increased their production in March-April by nine times .
Whereas only 2,500 tests for coronavirus were done a day in early March , now around 150,000 such tests are done a day .
Or by 60 times more , '' he said , adding that more people will be tested for the infection .
To date , a total of 93,558 coronavirus cases have been confirmed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recovered from the virus .
Russia ’ s latest data indicates 867 fatalities nationwide .
Earlier , the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation .

NOVO-OGARYOVO, April 28. /TASS/. Production of lung ventilators and protective gear has considerably increased in Russia, Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Tuesday, adding however that production of individual protective gear is not enough.
"Whereas some 60-70 lung ventilators were manufactured in Russia a month by the beginning of the year, production grew to more than 800 in April and will further increased to 2,500 in May," Putin said at a government meeting on the coronavirus situation in the country.
"Production of face masks has increased by more than ten times, from 800,000 a day at the beginning of the year to 8.5 million in April," he said.
"Production of individual protective gear for medics was 3,000 a day in March, and will be 100,000 a day by late April, and more than 150,000 by mid-May," Putin noted. "The figure is quite big as compared with what we has not long ago but is not enough now," he stressed.
According to the president, despite the growth of domestic production and large imports, there are shortages for some medical items. He demanded the ministry of industry and trade "organize work to increase production daily."
"As for testing systems, our industry has increased their production in March-April by nine times. Whereas only 2,500 tests for coronavirus were done a day in early March, now around 150,000 such tests are done a day. Or by 60 times more," he said, adding that more people will be tested for the infection.
To date, a total of 93,558 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 8,456 patients having recovered from the virus. Russia’s latest data indicates 867 fatalities nationwide. Earlier, the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation.


tass--2020-04-28--Saudi Arabia’s coronavirus cases top 20,000

TASS , April 28 .
Saudi Arabian doctors has identified 1,266 new coronavirus cases in the past 24 hours , @ @ @ @ @ via Twitter on Tuesday , adding that the total number of infections , therefore , @ @ @ @ @ The national data shows that eight people died in a single day , while 253 @ @ @ @ @ 152 coronavirus-related fatalities were recorded , the number of recoveries stands at 2,784 .
Saudi @ @ @ @ @ Arab nation with the biggest number of infections .

TASS, April 28. Saudi Arabian doctors has identified 1,266 new coronavirus cases in the past 24 hours, the national health ministry said via Twitter on Tuesday, adding that the total number of infections, therefore, has increased to 20,077.
The national data shows that eight people died in a single day, while 253 patients recovered. Overall, 152 coronavirus-related fatalities were recorded, the number of recoveries stands at 2,784. Saudi Arabia remains the most affected Arab nation with the biggest number of infections.


tass--2020-04-28--Launch of Progress MS-15 resupply ship to space station scheduled for July

MOSCOW , April 28 .
/TASS/ .
The launch of the Progress MS-15 resupply ship to the International Space Station @ @ @ @ @ for the summer of 2020 , Russia ’ s State Space Corporation Roscosmos reported on @ @ @ @ @ .
`` The launch to the ISS is scheduled for July this year , '' @ @ @ @ @ is beginning at the Baikonur spaceport in Kazakhstan to prepare for the launch of a @ @ @ @ @ deliver the space freighter into orbit , Roscosmos specified .
The previous resupply ship Progress @ @ @ @ @ Baikonur cosmodrome with the help of a Soyuz-2.1a carrier rocket on April 25 .
The @ @ @ @ @ outpost and docked to the Zvezda module after a record short three-orbit flight to the @ @ @

MOSCOW, April 28. /TASS/. The launch of the Progress MS-15 resupply ship to the International Space Station (ISS) is scheduled for the summer of 2020, Russia’s State Space Corporation Roscosmos reported on its Twitter account on Tuesday.
"The launch to the ISS is scheduled for July this year," the statement reads.
Work is beginning at the Baikonur spaceport in Kazakhstan to prepare for the launch of a Soyuz-2.1a carrier rocket that will deliver the space freighter into orbit, Roscosmos specified.
The previous resupply ship Progress MS-14 was launched from the Baikonur cosmodrome with the help of a Soyuz-2.1a carrier rocket on April 25. The space freighter reached the orbital outpost and docked to the Zvezda module after a record short three-orbit flight to the space station.


tass--2020-04-28--Putin prolongs non-working days in Russia till May 11

MOSCOW , April 28 .
/TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin has ruled to prolong non-working days introduced due to coronavirus till May 11 nationwide at a video conference on ways of resistance to the spread of the coronavirus in regions .
The coronavirus situation in Russia remains very tense and the country has not passed its peak yet , Vladimir Putin said .
`` The daily number of new cases of the disease has relatively stabilized .
But this should not 'soothe ' us since the situation remains very tense .
Specialists and scientists say that the peak has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ president stressed .
The risks of catching infection of the novel coronavirus in Russia are ‘ reaching their climax , ’ he elaborated .
`` We are now probably faced with the most rigorous stage of the fight against this epidemiology , '' Putin went on .
`` Risks of catching the infection are reaching their climax .
The danger and the lethal threat of the virus persist and it goes for everyone . ''
The positive thing is that Russia has managed to slow down the pace of the novel coronavirus spread @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` The most important issue that I would like to point out summing up the results of the recent weeks is that we have managed to slow down the spread of the epidemic , '' Putin said .
`` This is the result of our common work , the responsibility of millions of citizens of our country , who have followed recommendations of doctors and experts , taking care of their own health and of the health of others . ''
But still strict preventive measures must be observed , the president @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of long holidays were due at the beginning of May , with three working days — May 6 , 7 and 8 — sandwiched between them .
Putin said that `` even in an ordinary situation many would prefer to stay off work [ on May 6 , 7 and 8 — TASS ] , to take paid leaves , and now there are still fewer reasons to take risks . ''
`` I believe it will be correct to declare these three days as non-working ones .
Normal wages are to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will last till May 11 inclusively .
Let me draw your attention to the fact that the strict preventive measures adopted in regions must be enforced , '' Putin said .

MOSCOW, April 28. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin has ruled to prolong non-working days introduced due to coronavirus till May 11 nationwide at a video conference on ways of resistance to the spread of the coronavirus in regions.
The coronavirus situation in Russia remains very tense and the country has not passed its peak yet, Vladimir Putin said.
"The daily number of new cases of the disease has relatively stabilized. But this should not 'soothe' us since the situation remains very tense. Specialists and scientists say that the peak has not passed yet," the Russian president stressed.
The risks of catching infection of the novel coronavirus in Russia are ‘reaching their climax,’ he elaborated. "We are now probably faced with the most rigorous stage of the fight against this epidemiology," Putin went on. "Risks of catching the infection are reaching their climax. The danger and the lethal threat of the virus persist and it goes for everyone."
The positive thing is that Russia has managed to slow down the pace of the novel coronavirus spread in the country, Vladimir Putin commented. "The most important issue that I would like to point out summing up the results of the recent weeks is that we have managed to slow down the spread of the epidemic," Putin said. "This is the result of our common work, the responsibility of millions of citizens of our country, who have followed recommendations of doctors and experts, taking care of their own health and of the health of others."
But still strict preventive measures must be observed, the president underscored.
He recalled that two sets of long holidays were due at the beginning of May, with three working days — May 6, 7 and 8 — sandwiched between them. Putin said that "even in an ordinary situation many would prefer to stay off work [on May 6, 7 and 8 — TASS], to take paid leaves, and now there are still fewer reasons to take risks."
"I believe it will be correct to declare these three days as non-working ones. Normal wages are to be preserved. The period of off-work days will last till May 11 inclusively. Let me draw your attention to the fact that the strict preventive measures adopted in regions must be enforced," Putin said.
Lifting of restrictions


tass--2020-04-28--Sweden reports over 19,600 coronavirus cases

Eighty-one patients have died , bringing the overall number of fatalities to 2,274 , it said .
As many as 1,388 people are in intensive care units , with 1,028 male patients among them .
The biggest number of COVID-19 cases ( 7,622 ) and deaths ( 1,287 ) are reported in the Swedish capital .
STOCKHOLM , April 28./TASS/ .
The number of COVID-19 cases in Sweden has grown from 18,926 to 19,621 in the past 24 hours , or 196 cases per 100,000 people , the Public Health Agency said on Tuesday .
In general , Sweden ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tense situation .
In Stockholm , the number of new patients has started to decline , but other parts of the country are seeing a spike , Sweden ’ s Chief State Epidemiologist Anders Tegnell told a news conference on Tuesday .
Following the EU ’ s decision , the Swedish government closed its borders to foreign nationals who don ’ t live in the European Union .
Local residents were advised against gathering in groups of more than 50 people .
The authorities also recommended remote learning for high school and university @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for adults .
Kindergartens , primary schools and middle classes are open .
The country did not impose a nationwide lockdown , its shops and enterprises are still operating .
On March 11 , 2020 , the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic .
According to the latest statistics , over 3,000,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 211,000 deaths have been reported .
In addition , so far , over 923,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe .

Eighty-one patients have died, bringing the overall number of fatalities to 2,274, it said. As many as 1,388 people are in intensive care units, with 1,028 male patients among them. The biggest number of COVID-19 cases (7,622) and deaths (1,287) are reported in the Swedish capital.
STOCKHOLM, April 28./TASS/. The number of COVID-19 cases in Sweden has grown from 18,926 to 19,621 in the past 24 hours, or 196 cases per 100,000 people, the Public Health Agency said on Tuesday.
In general, Sweden’s intensive care units are facing a tense situation. In Stockholm, the number of new patients has started to decline, but other parts of the country are seeing a spike, Sweden’s Chief State Epidemiologist Anders Tegnell told a news conference on Tuesday.
Following the EU’s decision, the Swedish government closed its borders to foreign nationals who don’t live in the European Union. Local residents were advised against gathering in groups of more than 50 people. The authorities also recommended remote learning for high school and university students, as well as online courses for adults. Kindergartens, primary schools and middle classes are open. The country did not impose a nationwide lockdown, its shops and enterprises are still operating.
On March 11, 2020, the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic. According to the latest statistics, over 3,000,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 211,000 deaths have been reported. In addition, so far, over 923,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe.


tass--2020-04-28--Aeroflot flight repatriates Russian nationals from Tel Aviv to St. Petersburg, Moscow

TEL AVIV , April 28./TASS/ .
A plane of the Russian Aeroflot flagship carrier took off on Tuesday from Ben Gurion International Airport of Tel Aviv to repatriate Russian nationals to St. Petersburg and Moscow .
This is the only flight on Tuesday from the main airport of the Jewish state , as the arrival and departure board indicates , TASS reports from the site .
There are about 300 passengers on the list , about one third of them arrived in Israel earlier for medical reasons , Russian diplomats told TASS .
The Tuesday ’ s flight operated by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ month , since the previous regular flight was on March 29 .
On April 27 , the press service of the Russian Embassy told TASS that there were about 70 Russian nationals in Israel at the moment , who had arrived for medical reasons , as well as about 300 Russian nationals who had arrived `` to visit relatives , as well as to work and study '' .
According to the Israeli Ministry of Health , the country reports 15,589 coronavirus cases since the first case on February 27 .
As many @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tuesday .
As many as 208 patients have died , including six deaths reported on Tuesday .
On April 17 , the country registered more recoveries than infections for the first time since the start of the epidemic , and this tendency is in place .
On April 27 , the number of new coronavirus cases was below 100 ( 68 ) for the first time since the start of the month .
In late December 2019 , Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization ( WHO ) about the outbreak of a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wuhan , in central China .
Since then , cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe , including Russia .
On March 11 , 2020 , the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic .
According to the latest statistics , over 3,000,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 211,000 deaths have been reported .
In addition , so far , over 923,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe .

TEL AVIV, April 28./TASS/. A plane of the Russian Aeroflot flagship carrier took off on Tuesday from Ben Gurion International Airport of Tel Aviv to repatriate Russian nationals to St. Petersburg and Moscow. This is the only flight on Tuesday from the main airport of the Jewish state, as the arrival and departure board indicates, TASS reports from the site.
There are about 300 passengers on the list, about one third of them arrived in Israel earlier for medical reasons, Russian diplomats told TASS. The Tuesday’s flight operated by Aeroflot is the first in the past month, since the previous regular flight was on March 29.
On April 27, the press service of the Russian Embassy told TASS that there were about 70 Russian nationals in Israel at the moment, who had arrived for medical reasons, as well as about 300 Russian nationals who had arrived "to visit relatives, as well as to work and study".
According to the Israeli Ministry of Health, the country reports 15,589 coronavirus cases since the first case on February 27. As many as 6,796 patients have recovered as of Tuesday. As many as 208 patients have died, including six deaths reported on Tuesday. On April 17, the country registered more recoveries than infections for the first time since the start of the epidemic, and this tendency is in place.
On April 27, the number of new coronavirus cases was below 100 (68) for the first time since the start of the month.
In late December 2019, Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization (WHO) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, in central China. Since then, cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe, including Russia.
On March 11, 2020, the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic. According to the latest statistics, over 3,000,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 211,000 deaths have been reported. In addition, so far, over 923,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe.


tass--2020-04-28--Number of coronavirus cases in Denmark top 8,800

STOCKHOLM , April 28 .
/TASS/ .
The number of newly confirmed coronavirus cases in Denmark has risen by 153 to reach 8,851 over the past 24 hours .
Meanwhile , the coronavirus-related fatalities increased by seven to reach 434 , the Danish national institute for combat and prevention of infectious diseases reported Tuesday .
Moreover , 284 people are now hospitalized ( 26 people fewer than on Monday ) , with 66 of them in ICU .
In addition , 166,846 people were tested , and 6,121 patients recovered .
Due to the pandemic , the Danish government shut @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with March 14 , while Danes were advised against public gatherings of more than 10 people .
All educational institutions are also closed .
State officials not responsible for critical services were sent home between March 13 and April 13 with continuous payment of salaries .
On April 15 , Denmark entered the first stage of reopening the country .
Some preschools and primary schools welcomed children back , while public transport started operating the day before as well as certain small businesses , including hair salons and driving schools .
Courts reopened @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , bars and restaurants will stay shut down until May 10 when public gatherings of more than 500 people will be allowed again .
In late December 2019 , Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization ( WHO ) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan , in central China .
Since then , cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe .
On March 11 , 2020 , the WHO declared the coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ latest statistics , over 3,000,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 211,000 deaths have been reported .
In addition , so far , over 923,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe .

STOCKHOLM, April 28. /TASS/. The number of newly confirmed coronavirus cases in Denmark has risen by 153 to reach 8,851 over the past 24 hours. Meanwhile, the coronavirus-related fatalities increased by seven to reach 434, the Danish national institute for combat and prevention of infectious diseases reported Tuesday.
Moreover, 284 people are now hospitalized (26 people fewer than on Monday), with 66 of them in ICU. In addition, 166,846 people were tested, and 6,121 patients recovered.
Due to the pandemic, the Danish government shut down the national borders for foreigners starting with March 14, while Danes were advised against public gatherings of more than 10 people. All educational institutions are also closed. State officials not responsible for critical services were sent home between March 13 and April 13 with continuous payment of salaries.
On April 15, Denmark entered the first stage of reopening the country. Some preschools and primary schools welcomed children back, while public transport started operating the day before as well as certain small businesses, including hair salons and driving schools. Courts reopened on April 20. However, cafes, bars and restaurants will stay shut down until May 10 when public gatherings of more than 500 people will be allowed again.
In late December 2019, Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization (WHO) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, in central China. Since then, cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe.
On March 11, 2020, the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic. According to the latest statistics, over 3,000,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 211,000 deaths have been reported. In addition, so far, over 923,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe.


tass--2020-04-28--Russian Baltic Fleet ships repel enemy air strike in Gulf of Finland drills

KALININGRAD , April 28 .
/TASS/ .
The crews of the small anti-submarine warfare ships Urengoi and Kazanets struck air @ @ @ @ @ Gulf of Finland , the Baltic Fleet ’ s press office reported on Tuesday .
@ @ @ @ @ , the crews of the small anti-submarine ships Urengoi and Kazanets conducted artillery firings against @ @ @ @ @ of Finland and practiced measures to thwart attacks by a notional enemy ’ s air @ @ @ @ @ and directions , '' the press office said in a statement .
The ships ’ @ @ @ @ @ AK-176M and AK-630M artillery guns , the press office specified .
The ships ’ crews @ @ @ @ @ using dummy mines , which were later cleared by a harbor minesweeper , the statement @ @

KALININGRAD, April 28. /TASS/. The crews of the small anti-submarine warfare ships Urengoi and Kazanets struck air targets during drills in the Gulf of Finland, the Baltic Fleet’s press office reported on Tuesday.
"During the planned drills, the crews of the small anti-submarine ships Urengoi and Kazanets conducted artillery firings against air targets in the Gulf of Finland and practiced measures to thwart attacks by a notional enemy’s air attack weapons from various altitudes and directions," the press office said in a statement.
The ships’ crews delivered the fire from AK-176M and AK-630M artillery guns, the press office specified.
The ships’ crews also laid defensive minefields, using dummy mines, which were later cleared by a harbor minesweeper, the statement says.


tass--2020-04-28--Russia does not approve Haftar’s statement on transfer of power in Libya to LNA — Lavrov

MOSCOW , April 28 .
/TASS/ .
Russia does not approve the statement by Libyan National Army ( LNA ) Commander Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar regarding the transfer of power in Libya to the LNA , Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said , following an informal meeting of the BRICS member states ’ foreign ministers Tuesday .
`` We did not approve the statement made by Mr. [ Prime Minister of the Government of National Accord Fayez ] Sarraj , who refused to talk with Field Marshal Haftar , and we do not approve the statement that Field Marshal Haftar @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people should live , '' he said .
Lavrov pointed to the statement , made by Aguila Saleh , the president of the Libyan House of Representatives , in which the politician called for national dialogue , aimed at creation of power entities , accepted by everyone , which would equally represent the three key regions of Libya ( Tripolitania , Cyrenaica , and Fezzan ) .
`` I think , this is exactly what we were talking about all these years — that the Libyans themselves must find mutually acceptable approaches to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ building their state , whereas foreign actors should encourage these exact approaches , '' Lavrov commented .
The Russian foreign minister also recalled that the position of the UN special envoy for Libya has been vacant for two months already .
`` I believe that it is absolutely necessary for the UN Secretary-General Mr. [ Antonio ] Guterres to appoint the new special envoy as soon as possible .
By common agreement , this must be a representative of the African region , and there are such candidates , we know them well @ @ @ @ @ @ @ credibility , '' he noted .
On Monday , the Libyan National Army announced that it takes control over the country and disavows the Skhirat Agreement .
Field Marshal Haftar promised to provide conditions for the establishment of permanent civilian state bodies in accordance with the will of the people .
According to Haftar , the Skhirat Agreement has destroyed Libya , put it in danger , and `` has become a part of its dark past . ''
In response , the Presidential Council of the Government of National Accord called Haftar @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attempt of another coup in Libya .
The Agreement , signed in December 2015 in Morocco ’ s Skhirat , is based on the UN peace plan for Libya .
It implies creation of power entities , including the Government of the National Accord and the Presidential Council ( which serves as the collective head of state ) .
Both entities are based in Tripoli and are headed by Fayez Sarraj .

MOSCOW, April 28. /TASS/. Russia does not approve the statement by Libyan National Army (LNA) Commander Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar regarding the transfer of power in Libya to the LNA, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said, following an informal meeting of the BRICS member states’ foreign ministers Tuesday.
"We did not approve the statement made by Mr. [Prime Minister of the Government of National Accord Fayez] Sarraj, who refused to talk with Field Marshal Haftar, and we do not approve the statement that Field Marshal Haftar will now single-handedly decide how the Libyan people should live," he said.
Lavrov pointed to the statement, made by Aguila Saleh, the president of the Libyan House of Representatives, in which the politician called for national dialogue, aimed at creation of power entities, accepted by everyone, which would equally represent the three key regions of Libya (Tripolitania, Cyrenaica, and Fezzan).
"I think, this is exactly what we were talking about all these years — that the Libyans themselves must find mutually acceptable approaches to building a dialogue, and then to building their state, whereas foreign actors should encourage these exact approaches," Lavrov commented.
The Russian foreign minister also recalled that the position of the UN special envoy for Libya has been vacant for two months already. "I believe that it is absolutely necessary for the UN Secretary-General Mr. [Antonio] Guterres to appoint the new special envoy as soon as possible. By common agreement, this must be a representative of the African region, and there are such candidates, we know them well, they are experienced people who enjoy credibility," he noted.
On Monday, the Libyan National Army announced that it takes control over the country and disavows the Skhirat Agreement. Field Marshal Haftar promised to provide conditions for the establishment of permanent civilian state bodies in accordance with the will of the people. According to Haftar, the Skhirat Agreement has destroyed Libya, put it in danger, and "has become a part of its dark past." In response, the Presidential Council of the Government of National Accord called Haftar’s statement a farce and an attempt of another coup in Libya.
The Agreement, signed in December 2015 in Morocco’s Skhirat, is based on the UN peace plan for Libya. It implies creation of power entities, including the Government of the National Accord and the Presidential Council (which serves as the collective head of state). Both entities are based in Tripoli and are headed by Fayez Sarraj.


tass--2020-04-28--Lavrov slams EU’s ‘fantasies’ Russia, China are to blame for COVID-19 ‘disinformation’

MOSCOW , April 28 .
/TASS/ .
The European Union ’ s claims that Russia and China have been spreading @ @ @ @ @ have no facts to rely on , Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Tuesday @ @ @ @ @ the BRICS foreign ministers .
`` As far as claims by the European External Action @ @ @ @ @ claims that our countries have been allegedly spreading disinformation about everything that is happening in @ @ @ @ @ it would be inappropriate even to make comments , because not a single fact that @ @ @ @ @ has been presented to us , '' Lavrov said .
Russia is already in the @ @ @ @ @ Western partners ever more often try to find some uniting motives in their fantasies about @ @ @ @ @ threat . ''
`` That there is nothing concrete behind this can be easily seen @ @ @ @ @ the facts that are regularly published about the activity of this or that country in @ @ @ @ @ the coronavirus , '' Lavrov stated .

MOSCOW, April 28. /TASS/. The European Union’s claims that Russia and China have been spreading disinformation about the coronavirus situation have no facts to rely on, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Tuesday after an informal videoconference of the BRICS foreign ministers.
"As far as claims by the European External Action Service are concerned, the claims that our countries have been allegedly spreading disinformation about everything that is happening in relation to the coronavirus, it would be inappropriate even to make comments, because not a single fact that might back up such allegations has been presented to us," Lavrov said.
Russia is already in the habit of seeing "its Western partners ever more often try to find some uniting motives in their fantasies about a Russian or some other threat."
"That there is nothing concrete behind this can be easily seen by taking a look at the facts that are regularly published about the activity of this or that country in connection with the reaction to the coronavirus," Lavrov stated.


tass--2020-04-28--Russian Tu-22 strategic bombers fly over northern seas shadowed by Norwegian fighters

MOSCOW , April 28 .
/TASS/ .
Two Russian Tupolev Tu-22M3 missile-carrying bombers performed a flight over the neutral waters @ @ @ @ @ Seas , Russia ’ s Defense Ministry reported on Tuesday .
At some sections of @ @ @ @ @ Russian aircraft were shadowed by F-16 fighters of the Norwegian Air Force , '' the @ @ @ @ @ ’ flight lasted more than four hours , it added Pilots of Russia ’ s @ @ @ @ @ over the neutral waters of the Arctic and Pacific Oceans , and also over the @ @ @ @ @ the ministry said .
All these flights `` are performed in strict compliance with the @ @ @ @ @ airspace , '' the ministry stressed .

MOSCOW, April 28. /TASS/. Two Russian Tupolev Tu-22M3 missile-carrying bombers performed a flight over the neutral waters of the Barents and Norwegian Seas, Russia’s Defense Ministry reported on Tuesday.
At some sections of their flight, "the Russian aircraft were shadowed by F-16 fighters of the Norwegian Air Force," the ministry said.
The bombers’ flight lasted more than four hours, it added
Pilots of Russia’s long-range aircraft regularly perform flights over the neutral waters of the Arctic and Pacific Oceans, and also over the Black and Baltic Seas, the ministry said.
All these flights "are performed in strict compliance with the international rules of using the airspace," the ministry stressed.


tass--2020-04-28--Moscow on lockdown sees crime rate plummet

MOSCOW , April 28./TASS/ .
Moscow ’ s crime rate had dropped by almost 13 % between April 1 and @ @ @ @ @ of the Moscow police headquarters said on Tuesday , dispelling misinformation on social media about @ @ @ @ @ .
`` Thanks to the efforts by law enforcement agencies , the situation in the @ @ @ @ @ a result of this activity , 12.8 % less crimes than a year ago were @ @ @ @ @ 1 and 27 , '' it said .
In particular , cases of intentional grievous @ @ @ @ @ % , the number of thefts sank by 32.8 % , and burglaries plummeted by @ @ @ @ @ is also on the decline with robberies decreasing by 64.8 % , in addition to @ @ @ @ @ of 81.5 % , while auto theft declined by 75 % , and carjackings dropped @ @ @ @

MOSCOW, April 28./TASS/. Moscow’s crime rate had dropped by almost 13% between April 1 and 27, the press service of the Moscow police headquarters said on Tuesday, dispelling misinformation on social media about an alleged rise in crime.
"Thanks to the efforts by law enforcement agencies, the situation in the capital remains stable. As a result of this activity, 12.8% less crimes than a year ago were reported in Moscow between April 1 and 27," it said.
In particular, cases of intentional grievous bodily harm dropped by 42.3%, the number of thefts sank by 32.8%, and burglaries plummeted by 61.3%. Street crime is also on the decline with robberies decreasing by 64.8%, in addition to armed robberies seeing a plunge of 81.5%, while auto theft declined by 75%, and carjackings dropped by 27.3%.


tass--2020-04-28--Russia, China to continue cooperation to combat coronavirus infection, says Lavrov

MOSCOW , April 28 .
/TASS/ .
Russia highly appreciates cooperation with China in combating the coronavirus infection and will continue it , Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Tuesday after an informal videoconference of the BRICS ( Brazil , Russia , India , China , and South Africa ) top diplomats .
`` We have the highest assessments of Russia ’ s cooperation with China in combating the coronavirus infection .
We offered assistance to China ’ s Wuhan from the very first days of the infection outbreak and I hope that our contribution helped China cope with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
Now , he noted , China is helping Russia .
`` As our leaders , Vladimir Putin [ of Russia ] and Xi Jinping [ of China ] have repeatedly stressed after their contacts , we will continue cooperation , strategic partnership in all areas and will pool efforts in combating this global threat , '' he said .
In late December 2019 , Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization ( WHO ) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan , in central China @ @ @ @ @ @ @ novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe , including Russia .
On March 11 , 2020 , the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic .
According to the latest statistics , over 3,000,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 211,000 deaths have been reported .

MOSCOW, April 28. /TASS/. Russia highly appreciates cooperation with China in combating the coronavirus infection and will continue it, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Tuesday after an informal videoconference of the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) top diplomats.
"We have the highest assessments of Russia’s cooperation with China in combating the coronavirus infection. We offered assistance to China’s Wuhan from the very first days of the infection outbreak and I hope that our contribution helped China cope with this threat rather quickly," he said.
Now, he noted, China is helping Russia. "As our leaders, Vladimir Putin [of Russia] and Xi Jinping [of China] have repeatedly stressed after their contacts, we will continue cooperation, strategic partnership in all areas and will pool efforts in combating this global threat," he said.
In late December 2019, Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization (WHO) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, in central China. Since then, cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe, including Russia.
On March 11, 2020, the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic. According to the latest statistics, over 3,000,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 211,000 deaths have been reported.


tass--2020-04-28--Kim Jong-un keeps working, he sent telegram to South Africa’s Ramaphosa, Russian MP says

MOSCOW , April 28 .
/TASS/ .
North Korean Leader Kim Jong-un keeps working , says Kazbek Taisayev , head of the Russian State Duma group on relations with the DPRK Parliament , citing the embassy of the Democratic People 's Republic of Korea ( DPRK ) in Moscow .
According to Taisayev , Kim sent a message of greetings to President of South Africa Cyril Ramaphosa .
`` I talked to them [ the DPRK embassy ] today , we contact every day , '' Taisayev said .
`` Kim Jong-un sent his greetings to the president of South @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , this is his personal message . ''
`` The man keeps working ; the things they write [ about Kim Jong-un 's deteriorating health ] , I think it ’ s wrong , '' he told TASS Tuesday .
Earlier , the Korean Central News Agency reported that Kim Jong-un sent a telegram to Ramaphosa Monday .
The North Korean leader has been staying away from public eye since April 11 , when he chaired a meeting of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Workers ' Party of Korea @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Kim Jong-un did not attend the annual session of the Supreme People ’ s Assembly on April 12 , and , for the first time ever , missed the Day of the Sun ceremony , which this year commemorates the 108th birth anniversary of Kim Il-sung on April 15 .
The absence sparked rumors of his possible illness , which neither DPRK ’ s media nor officials nor even informed sources currently comment on .

MOSCOW, April 28. /TASS/. North Korean Leader Kim Jong-un keeps working, says Kazbek Taisayev, head of the Russian State Duma group on relations with the DPRK Parliament, citing the embassy of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) in Moscow. According to Taisayev, Kim sent a message of greetings to President of South Africa Cyril Ramaphosa.
"I talked to them [the DPRK embassy] today, we contact every day," Taisayev said. "Kim Jong-un sent his greetings to the president of South Africa, they have a national holiday, this is his personal message."
"The man keeps working; the things they write [about Kim Jong-un's deteriorating health], I think it’s wrong," he told TASS Tuesday.
Earlier, the Korean Central News Agency reported that Kim Jong-un sent a telegram to Ramaphosa Monday.
The North Korean leader has been staying away from public eye since April 11, when he chaired a meeting of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea on internal policy issues. In particular, Kim Jong-un did not attend the annual session of the Supreme People’s Assembly on April 12, and, for the first time ever, missed the Day of the Sun ceremony, which this year commemorates the 108th birth anniversary of Kim Il-sung on April 15. The absence sparked rumors of his possible illness, which neither DPRK’s media nor officials nor even informed sources currently comment on.


tass--2020-04-28--Number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kazakhstan exceeds 3,000

NUR-SULTAN , April 28 .
/TASS/ .
Thirty-seven coronavirus cases were confirmed in Kazakhstan during the day and the overall number of such cases reached 3,019 , the country ’ s Health Ministry said on Tuesday .
`` Thirty-seven new infection cases have been registered , including two in Nur-Sultan , one in the Akmola Region , one in the East-Kazakhstan Region , one in the Mangystau Region , ten in Almaty , four in the Aktyubinsk Region , twelve in the Almaty Region , three in the Kyzylorda Region , and three in the Karaganda Region , '' it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have recovered , twenty-five have died .
A state of emergency over the coronavirus epidemic spread was initially introduced in Kazakhstan for a period from March 15 to April 15 .
In addition , quarantine was imposed in Nur-Sultan and Almaty on March 19 .
On April 14 , President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev extended these measures until the end of April and on April 27 prolonged them further on until May 11 .
Since the coronavirus pandemic ’ s outbreak , more than 3 million people worldwide have contracted the disease and more than @ @ @ @

NUR-SULTAN, April 28. /TASS/. Thirty-seven coronavirus cases were confirmed in Kazakhstan during the day and the overall number of such cases reached 3,019, the country’s Health Ministry said on Tuesday.
"Thirty-seven new infection cases have been registered, including two in Nur-Sultan, one in the Akmola Region, one in the East-Kazakhstan Region, one in the Mangystau Region, ten in Almaty, four in the Aktyubinsk Region, twelve in the Almaty Region, three in the Kyzylorda Region, and three in the Karaganda Region," it said.
As many as 754 patients have recovered, twenty-five have died.
A state of emergency over the coronavirus epidemic spread was initially introduced in Kazakhstan for a period from March 15 to April 15. In addition, quarantine was imposed in Nur-Sultan and Almaty on March 19. On April 14, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev extended these measures until the end of April and on April 27 prolonged them further on until May 11.
Since the coronavirus pandemic’s outbreak, more than 3 million people worldwide have contracted the disease and more than 211,000 have died.


tass--2020-04-28--Cybercrime rates in Moscow triple in April, police says

MOSCOW , April 28 .
/TASS/ .
Cybercrime rates in Moscow have tripled in April , the press service of @ @ @ @ @ TASS on Tuesday .
`` The rate of IT crimes remains high , with the @ @ @ @ @ increased by more than three times , '' it said .
The police recommends people @ @ @ @ @ sources of information and ignore suspicion offers in mass texting and messengers .
`` This @ @ @ @ @ safe against fraudsters , '' the police said .

MOSCOW, April 28. /TASS/. Cybercrime rates in Moscow have tripled in April, the press service of the Moscow police department told TASS on Tuesday.
"The rate of IT crimes remains high, with the number of cyber thefts having increased by more than three times," it said.
The police recommends people to rely on only trustworthy sources of information and ignore suspicion offers in mass texting and messengers. "This way you will make yourself safe against fraudsters," the police said.