COVID-19 cases in Russia approach 28,000

The number of COVID-19 cases in Russia rose to 27,938, hitting 84 out of its 85 regions after a new daily record of 3,448 was registered on Thursday, official data showed.

The death toll climbed to 232 from 198 the previous day, while 2,304 people have recovered, including 318 in the last 24 hours, Russia's coronavirus response center said in a statement.

Moscow, the worst-hit city across the country, confirmed 1,370 new cases in the last 24 hours, totaling 16,146.

Russia announced its first two COVID-19 cases on Jan. 31, with cases increasing significantly since the end of March. The total number topped 10,000 on April 9, 15,000 on April 12 and 20,000 on Tuesday.

A Chinese medical team has been working in Russia since April 11 to assist in the fight against COVID-19.

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