Putin thanks health workers for effort in pandemic

Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed his condolences Saturday to the families of medical workers who have died in the coronavirus pandemic. Putin said in a videolink meeting with medical staff from across Russia on Medical Worker Day that the sacrifices made by those who died will forever remain in the country's history. He compared the fight against coronavirus to the work of Russian doctors during the Crimean War, the First World War and the Great Patriotic War.

He insisted that the virus was starting to retreat, but said the battle against it needed to continue.

Putin went on to say that all state benefits to medical workers fighting the coronavirus would continue for through the end of August.

These range from an additional $1,150 to doctors and $360 for junior staff from the federal government, as well as payments from regional governments.

Russia's national coronavirus task force on Saturday reported 161 deaths over the past day, bringing the total to 8,022 deaths.

It also recorded 7,889 new infections, the third consecutive day that new cases dipped below 8,000.

Overall, Russia has reported 576,982 cases of infection.

The country's comparatively low virus mortality rate has raised questions both in Russia and in the West, with some suggesting officials may be manipulating the numbers for political purposes.

Russian authorities have denied the charge.