Russia reports 150 new COVID-19 deaths, total at 3,249

Russia on Friday reported 150 new fatalities from the novel coronavirus in the past 24 hours, a record daily rise, taking the country's official nationwide death toll from the virus to 3,249.

The country's total number of confirmed cases rose to 326,448 as 8,894 new cases were reported in the past 24 hours.

Moscow reported 2,988 new confirmed cases, bringing the total to 158,207. The mayor signed a decree to further implement the first phase of measures to lift the ban, including opening up some businesses in the national multi-functional public service network platform and resuming car-sharing services, but still wearing masks and gloves when traveling on public transport.

At present, more than 8.1 million COVID-19 tests have been carried out in Russia, and 285,000 were detected within 24 hours. About 277,000 people are under medical observation.