Russian authorities said that doctors were under “extraordinary” strain due to surging coronavirus cases in Europe's worst-hit country, with Moscow shuttered during a nationwide holiday to curb infections.

The capital was quiet on the first morning of the working week, with businesses mostly closed and non-essential services in the capital halted from October 28 to November 7, according to AFP.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters that doctors working in red zones were facing “extreme physical and emotional stress” with the recent rise in cases.

“Of course the situation is not straightforward. Beds are filled to a large extent, and these days the situation is not becoming easier,” Peskov said.