AKIPRESS.COM - Russia confirmed 8,248 new coronavirus infections Tuesday, bringing the country’s official number of cases to 545,458, Moscow Times reports.

Over the past 24 hours 193 people have died, bringing the total toll to 7,284 — a rate considerably lower than in many other countries hit hard by the pandemic.

A total of 9,767 people recovered over the last 24 hours, bringing the overall number of recoveries to 294,306.

Moscow lifted restrictions including compulsory travel passes on Tuesday, a move welcomed by residents who rushed out to enjoy the streets and parks.

Many other regions are lifting lockdown restrictions as Russia is preparing to hold a July 1 national vote despite the pandemic.   

President Vladimir Putin is seeking public backing for constitutional amendments that would allow him to stay on at the Kremlin beyond his current term.