Russian COVID-19 cases exceed 20,000

MOSCOW - Russia reported another daily record of 2,774 new COVID-19 cases over the last 24 hours, raising the total number of infections to 21,102 as of Tuesday, covering 82 of 85 regions, official data showed.

The death toll climbed to 170 from 148 a day ago, while 1,694 people have recovered, including 224 in the last 24 hours, Russia's coronavirus response center said in a statement.

Moscow, the worst hit part of the country, confirmed 1,489 new cases in the last 24 hours, totaling 13,002.

Russia announced its first two COVID-19 cases on Jan. 31, and cases have increased significantly since the end of March. The total number topped 10,000 on April 9 and 15,000 on April 12.

All Russians except for those working for essential institutions and establishments are on paid leave from March 30 to April 30 as part of the nation's efforts to contain the spread of the coronavirus.

The situation in Russia is worsening with a rising number of infections, President Vladimir Putin said Monday at a meeting with senior government officials involved in the battle against COVID-19.

Russia may resort to its military resources in the fight against COVID-19 if the situation continues to deteriorate, he said.