Russia: Moscow locks down as Russian COVID-19 deaths surge to new highs -by Tom Balmforth and Andrew Osborn

The Russian capital brought in its strictest COVID-19 related lockdown measures in more than a year on Thursday as nationwide one-day pandemic deaths and infections hit new highs amid slow vaccination take-up across the world's biggest country.

Read more at: Moscow locks down as Russian COVID-19 deaths surge to new highs | Reuters

EASTERN EUROPE: COVID-19 cases recorded in eastern Europe hit 20 million - by R.Abraham, S. Ahluwalia, R.Biswas

The number of coronavirus infections recorded so far in eastern Europe surpassed 20 million on Sunday, according to a Reuters tally, as the region grapples with its worst outbreak since the pandemic started and inoculation efforts lag.

Countries in the region have the lowest vaccination rates in Europe, with less than half of the population having received a single dose.

Read more at: COVID-19 cases recorded in eastern Europe hit 20 million | Reuters