Russia reports 34% weekly surge in respiratory illnesses, flu, COVID-19

Russia's consumer safety watchdog Rospotrebnadzor reported 734,000 new cases of respiratory illnesses, flu, and COVID-19 last week, a 34% increase from the prior week. The agency says the spread is in line with forecasts but intensifying. The surge suggests a seasonal uptick that could strain healthcare systems, though no unusual severity is indicated.