Russian authorities brace for surge in virus cases

Russian officials on Monday reported a steady rise in the number of new coronavirus infections, fuelling concerns that the nation's hospitals could be overwhelmed.

Authorities say that broader testing has contributed to the recent surge in tnew cases and insisted that hospitals so far have been coping with the influx.

But facilities including exhibition centres and stadiums have been refitted in anticipation of a sharp rise in the number of infections.

The government's task force dealing with the outbreak reported 10,581 new cases on Monday, including 5,795 in Moscow.

This brings the nation's total to 145,268, including 1,356 deaths.

Russian officials have ordered 120,000 hospital beds be available across the country's 82 regions to treat COVID-19 patients.

In recent days, some cities have begun to receive large shipments of much-needed personal protective equipment.

But many hospitals across the vast country have reported a shortage of such equipment.

Russia’s economy has been partially shut down since late March, and the lockdown measures have been extended through May 11.