Russia lifts mandatory quarantine rule

Russian authorities have lifted mandatory two-week quarantine for those arriving as part of easing coronavirus restrictions.

The dropping of a mandatory quarantine for people arriving from overseas coincided with the resumption of some international flights.

Instead, Russians and foreigners alike need to self-isolate for two weeks.

Last week, Deputy Prime Minister Tatyana Golikova said Russia may resume international flights starting Wednesday, adding that the final decision would depend on the outcome of negotiations with other countries.

Under the eased restrictions that began on Wednesday, all travelers will have to either provide coronavirus test results at the border or take a test within three days of arrival in Russia.

Mandatory quarantine remains in place for those who test positive for the virus or whose health deteriorates upon arrival.

It's one of several steps in an effort to reopen the country after health officials started reporting a slowdown in infections. Last month, authorities allowed travel abroad for the purpose of work, studying, medical treatment or taking care of relatives.

Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin said on Wednesday that he was glad to see the loosening in restrictions, and claimed the peak of the outbreak in Russia had passed.

Mishustin said Russia's coronavirus growth rate kept below 1 percent over the latest 24-hour period.

He said the improving situation makes it possible "to hold meetings on the epidemiological situation less often".

"We used to hold meetings of the Coordination Council almost every day but now weekly meetings are enough to resolve all pressing issues," he said.

Earlier this week, Russia said it would begin a phase III trial of a COVID-19 vaccine in mid-August, with the doses given to a limited number of ordinary Russians.

In a related development, a drug known as Koronavir for treatment of COVID-19 was released in Russia on Wednesday, the drug company R-Pharm said.

"Now is not the time to relax,"Mishustin stressed, while adding that Russia will continue to monitor the situation, detect the sick, and provide patients with prompt treatment.

On Thursday, Russia's anti-coronavirus crisis center reported 6,428 new cases, bringing the total to 752,797.

Xinhua contributed to the story.