Coronavirus in Russia: The Latest News. May 1

Russia has stepped up its measures to slow the coronavirus pandemic's spread within its borders. There have been 114 431 cases of coronavirus infections reported in Russia so far and 1 169 deaths.

Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin has been diagnosed with coronavirus, he said during a video meeting with President Vladimir Putin broadcast on the state-run Rossiya 24 television channel.

Russia confirmed 7 933 new coronavirus infections Friday, bringing the country’s official number of cases to 114 431 and marking a new one-day record increase. Russia is now the eighth most-affected country in terms of infections, having surpassed China and Iran this week.

President Vladimir Putin has extended the national “non-working” month through May 11 as Russia continued to see sharp daily rises in new coronavirus infections in recent days. Moscow's coronavirus lockdown has also been extended until May 11.

— Half of Moscow’s coronavirus patients in serious condition have tested negative for the virus, Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said Thursday amid questions over the accuracy of Russia’s tests.

— Eight refrigerated containers to store the bodies of deceased coronavirus patients have been installed at hospitals in St. Petersburg. The city's health department told that the containers aren't being used yet and are a precautionary step in case the number of deaths rises.

— Russia could possibly tighten its coronavirus lockdown after May 11 if residents don't follow the self-isolation rules over the May holidays, consumer protection watchdog head Anna Popova said.

— Moscow is setting up 44 temporary hospitals which will treat up to 10 000 coronavirus patients, deputy mayor Pyotr Biryukov said.