Russia has reported 1,075 Covid-19 deaths, its fifth straight daily record, as the authorities prepare to shut workplaces countrywide and lock down the capital. A record 37,678 new cases were also reported, according to Reuters.

Despite developing one of the world's first vaccines against Covid-19, Russia has vaccinated only about a third of its population, one of the lowest rates in Europe.

President Vladimir Putin this week approved a nationwide workplace shutdown in the first week of November, and the capital Moscow will reimpose a partial lockdown from Oct 28, with only essential shops such as pharmacies and supermarkets allowed to remain open.