Putin sounds alarm over virus crisis in Russia's Dagestan

Russian President Vladimir Putin said Monday the coronavirus situation in the Republic of Dagestan in southern Russia required urgent attention after a top official said hundreds of people in the region might have died from the virus.

"The situation in the Republic of Dagestan is complicated and, of course, calls for additional – and urgent measures," Putin said at a meeting in Moscow.

According to official data, Dagestan had 27 coronavirus deaths as of Monday. However, the local health minister said Saturday that the possible fatalities might have reached 700.