RUSSIA LOOSENS LOCKDOWN DESPITE SURGE IN CASES

President Vladimir Putin on Monday announced an easing of lockdown measures despite a new surge in infections, which took Russia’s tally past Italy’s, making it the fourth highest in the world.

In a nationwide address,

Putin said that from Tuesday he would start lifting restrictions that had forced many people to work from home and businesses to close.

He emphasized the lifting of restrictions would be gradual and that individual regions would need to tailor their approach. Moscow for example has said it will maintain its lockdown measures until May 31.

Mass public events would still be banned, said Putin, and Russians aged 65 or over asked to stay at home.

The number of new cases rose by a record daily amount to 11,656, making the official tally 221,344. Only Britain, Spain and the U.S. have recorded more cases.