New statistics show 50,000 Russians died with Covid-19 in June: Slow vaccine take up remains a problem as Delta Variant spreads
Mortality among patients with Covid-19 in Russia shot past 50,000 in July, Newly-released government data gives a glimpse of the extent of the death toll from the new wave of infections caused by the so-called "Delta Variant."
The coronavirus was the main cause of 38,922 deaths across the country, last month, federal statistics agency Rosstat announced on Friday.
In 6,655 additional cases, the virus was listed as the suspected chief cause of death or an underlying condition, and nearly 4,850 more infected people died from reasons unrelated to Covid-19.
The estimated death toll among people with the virus nearly doubled compared to June.
Tatyana Golikova, the deputy prime minister who leads the national Covid task force, said the pandemic heavily contributed to the overall increase in the mortality rate by 18.6% compared to the same period last year.
Russia has been hit by a third wave of infections, as Moscow and its eponymous surrounding region remains the top hotspot, along with St. Petersburg, the nation’s second most populous city.
Also on rt.com With vaccines widely available in Russia, dying of Covid-19 has become optional. So why are so many intent on making that choice?The majority of Russian administrative districts have imposed vaccine mandates for certain categories of public servants and service workers in order to address the slow uptake in vaccination amid the spread of the more contagious and lethal Delta variant of the virus.
Just around 25% of the population are fully vaccinated, despite the fact that vaccines are widely available, and free of charge.
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