Russia to ramp up production of PCR virus tests

Russia's Ministry of Industry and Trade has launched a new PCR coronavirus test production site in Moscow which aims to be "independent of foreign raw materials," according to the company managing production.

Around 30,000 tests are being produced per day.

Stanislav Goldberg, head of Gem, the company managing the site, stressed the "goal is to improve the production volume."

Gem produces tests for more than 600 laboratories across Russia.

Russia on Monday reported a record number of new coronavirus infections but a daily death toll well below the highest toll.

The national coronavirus task force said 21,798 new cases were recorded, more than 1,000 more than the previous daily tally.

It said there were 256 new deaths; the highest daily death toll is 389, recorded on Nov. 4.

Overall, Russia has tallied about 1,796,000 infections and 30,793 deaths but officials say there is no need for another national lockdown.