Dramatic differences on the world Covid-19 map: Russia and Australia exemplify opposite extremes

(Patria) – The number of coronavirus infections in Russia increased by 12,846 on Saturday, representing a new daily average in the country since the beginning of the pandemic.

This brings the total number of cases in Russia to 1,285,084, while 22,454 people have died as a result of the disease caused by the Covid-19 virus.

At the same time, the number of deaths from coronavirus is falling again in Australia, and the country is recording its third day without fatalities. However, the Melbourne region, which has been the epicenter of the epidemic in Australia for several months, remains in quarantine because the number of new infections persistently stays above the threshold that would mark a relaxation of measures – which would mean citizens can finally leave their homes, visit each other, and shops and restaurants could reopen their doors.

In Australia, 27,244 cases have been recorded since the beginning of the pandemic, and 897 people have died – significantly fewer than in other developed nations.

Australia's most populous state, New South Wales, recorded three new cases on Saturday, while only one new case was confirmed in Queensland.

Neighboring New Zealand recorded four new cases on Saturday, all of which were returning travelers currently in quarantine.