Russia's coronavirus cases rise by more than 10,000 for fourth straight day

The number of new coronavirus cases in Russia rose by 10,559 over the past 24 hours -- the fourth consecutive day that cases had risen by more than 10,000.

This has brought the nationwide tally to 1,65,929.

It also reported 86 new fatalities from COVID-19, bringing the total death toll in Russia to 1,537.

Russia now has the world's second-fastest rate of new infections -- after the United States. It is the seventh most-affected country in terms of infections, having surpassed China, Turkey and Iran last week. 

The authorities say they have carried out more than 4 million coronavirus tests and Russia's fatality rate has remained low compared to other countries hit badly by the pandemic. The country ranks 18th overall in terms of coronavirus deaths.

Also read | Russia records over 10,000 infection cases for second consecutive day

The novel coronavirus has infected over 3.6 million people, and has claimed over 2,50,000 lives.