Russia's coronavirus case tally passes one million mark as students go back to school

The total number of coronavirus cases in Russia passed the one million mark on Tuesday after 4,729 new infections were reported. 

That brought the country's total tally to 1,000,048, the world's fourth-largest caseload after the U.S., Brazil and India.

Russia's coronavirus crisis center said 123 new deaths had been confirmed in the last 24 hours, taking the death toll to 17,299.

As of Monday, 815,705 patients have recovered, it added. Russia has conducted over 36.9 million tests so far.

On Tuesday, schools at all levels in Russia are opening to students. 

The government's anti-virus information website said this week that children would not be required to wear masks in the classroom, cafeterias or during lunch breaks. 

But pupils will have their temperature checked on arrival, the head of the consumer watchdog Anna Popova said, adding that "no one can go to school if they are feeling even slightly unwell."

While in capital city of Moscow, the country's worst-hit region, masks are compulsory for teachers and recommended for students.

And all school staff in Moscow have been tested for coronavirus, the authorities have said.

A total of 263,059 infections have been registered in Moscow.