Russia coronavirus cases surpass 10,000; Putin orders bonuses for medics

Russia on Thursday reported a record one-day rise of 1,459 new cases of coronavirus, pushing its national case total to 10,131.

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Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday announced bonuses to health care workers on "the frontline" of the country's fight against the coronavirus.

Russian President Vladimir Putin listens a question from reporters. File photo

Putin included the payments among several new measures to support Russians during the epidemic after health officials reported more than 1,000 new COVID-19 cases.

The president urged the public to be patient with lockdown restrictions to help slow the spread of the virus.

"For most people, to be inside four walls is dreary and miserable," he acknowledged during a video call with regional governors.

"A breakthrough in battling the infection will depend on our discipline and responsibility."

A man walks past an electronic billboard in a street in St. Petersburg, Russia. File photo/AP

The country is realising how crucial the work of nurses and doctors is "for the first time in decades", said Putin, promising 10 billion rubles ($132 million) for monthly bonuses to health care staff nationwide.

Doctors treating coronavirus patients would receive an additional 80,000 rubles ($1,059) per month, while nurses, ambulance medics and drivers would get from 25,000 to 50,000 rubles.

"These specialists are on the front line," said Putin, who also ordered an increase in the worker's state insurance to a level afforded to members of the armed forces.

Russia reported 1,175 new coronavirus cases, bringing the total to 8,672. The epicentre of the epidemic is Moscow, with 5,841 cases.

So far, Russia has recorded only 63 deaths however.

Agencies