Russia on Friday reported a fourth straight daily record of COVID-19 fatalities as the government prepares to implement a nationwide workplace shutdown to contain further spread of the virus.

According to Reuters, the country recorded 1,064 virus-related deaths in the previous 24 hours, with new infections hitting a second successive daily record at 37,141.

President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday approved a nationwide week-long workplace shutdown from October 30 to November 7 and said regional leaders could introduce other measures at their discretion.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov bemoaned slow vaccinations in the country which was worsening the situation.

"Our vaccination programme is going worse than a number of European countries," Reuters quotes Peskov. "Fewer people are being vaccinated and more people are getting sick as new, more aggressive strains emerge. That is the reality that is taking place."

(With input from Reuters)