AKIPRESS.COM - Russia confirmed 7,843 new coronavirus infections Wednesday, bringing the country’s official number of cases to 553,301, Moscow Timesreports. 

Wednesday's increase marks the lowest one-day rise in new cases since May 1.

Over the past 24 hours 194 people have died, bringing the total toll to 7,478 — a rate considerably lower than in many other countries hit hard by the pandemic.

A total of 10,036 people recovered over the last 24 hours, bringing the overall number of recoveries to 304,342.

Moscow lifted restrictions including compulsory travel passes on June 8, a move welcomed by residents who rushed out to enjoy the streets and parks.

Many other regions are lifting lockdown restrictions as Russia is preparing to hold a July 1 national vote despite the pandemic.   

President Vladimir Putin is seeking public backing for constitutional amendments that would allow him to stay on at the Kremlin beyond his current term.

Critics have cast doubt on Russia's low official mortality rate and accused authorities of under-reporting to play down the scale of the crisis.