Putin says coronavirus situation in southern Russia’s Dagestan is difficult

By George Obulutsa Posted on May 18, 2020

Russian President Putin delivers a televised address to the nation about the coronavirus disease outbreak, outside Moscow

MOSCOW (Reuters) – President Vladimir Putin said on Monday the coronavirus situation in Russia’s southern region of Dagestan was particularly difficult and that the mainly Muslim region’s healthcare system was under serious strain.

The Caspian Sea region of Dagestan has reported 3,460 cases of the new coronavirus and 29 deaths, although Russian media reports have suggested the real figures are much higher.

(Reporting by Vladimir Soldatkin; Writing by Tom Balmforth; Editing by Catherine Evans)