Russia remains optimistic that its contender for a COVID-19 vaccine will help stem the spread of the virus in the country.

Russia remains one of the hardest-hit countries by the pandemic, as its over 1.78 million number of infections is the fifth-highest globally.

The country has seen a recent spike in new cases, with the Kremlin describing the rate of infection as "worrying", but remains adamant a lockdown is not necessary.

On Tuesday, the ministry of health announced close to 21,000 new virus infections, with reports that healthcare facilities were feeling the brunt of the pandemic.

Russia became the first country in the world to register a COVID-19 vaccine, which is now under mass trials. The Sputnik V received big praise from President Vladimir Putin, who said it "works quite effectively."

According to BBC, the Russian health ministry said clinics would soon receive their first "industrial scale" deliveries of Sputnik V, suggesting that a mass vaccination programme is imminent.

In the meantime, the government made face coverings mandatory in all public spaces, a requirement enforced with fines.