COVID-19 cases near 700,000 in Russia 

Russia confirmed 6,368 new coronavirus infections Tuesday, bringing the country's official number of cases to 694,230.

Over the past 24 hours, 198 people have died, bringing the total toll to 10,494 — a rate considerably lower than in many other countries hit hard by the pandemic.

A total of 9,551 people recovered over the last 24 hours, bringing the overall number of recoveries to 463,880.

Moscow lifted restrictions including compulsory travel passes on June 8, a move welcomed by residents who rushed out to enjoy the streets and parks.

Many other regions lifted lockdown restrictions ahead of a July 1 national vote despite the pandemic.  

Critics have cast doubt on Russia's low official mortality rate and accused authorities of under-reporting to play down the crisis scale.

Russia attributes its lower virus death figures to mass testing, which has identified many cases with mild or no coronavirus symptoms.