Russia on June 26 reported its deadliest day so far this year from COVID-19, with 619 patients succumbing over the previous 24 hours to top the previous day's high.
The pace of new cases also leapt to twice the rate at the start of this month, with 21,665 freshly confirmed infections in a day.
The June 25 death toll was the most since December 24.
A reluctance among Russians to get vaccinated has compounded fears accompanying the recent surge in the epidemic.
President Vladimir Putin said on June 21 that "in some regions the situation has been aggravated."
Officials in the capital have been clamping down hard as around one-third of the new cases are in Moscow.
Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said last week that vaccinations against COVID-19 will be compulsory for 60 percent of employees in the services sector.
Seventeen other regions are imposing similar requirements.
Also, beginning last week, Muscovites can only get service in restaurants and bars if they present a QR-code showing proof of vaccination, a recent negative test, or certification that they contracted the virus in the previous six months.
But in a surprise announcement, officials said on June 26 that a fan zone in the capital for the Euro 202o soccer championships had reopened despite the rising cases and Russia's national team crashing out of the tournament.
They said vaccinated, negative-tested, or formerly COVID-positive fans were welcome to gather at the fan zone at the Luzhniki Stadium.
In the popular resort area of Krasnodar, vacationers will only be allowed to stay in hotels from July 1 with proof of vaccination or a negative PCR test.
From August 1, only those with vaccination certificates will be allowed accommodation.
