Get all the latest news on coronavirus and more delivered daily to your inbox. Sign up here.

Authorities in Moscow have begun issuing residents so-called “digital permits” in an effort to curb the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic that has overwhelmed the city’s resources in recent weeks.

Some 8,000 people have already been issued digital permits to travel by car or public transportation, officials say. A formal launch of the system is slated for Wednesday.

Russian police officers, wearing face masks to protect from coronavirus, check documents of a man to ensure a self-isolation regime due to coronavirus, in Moscow, Russia.

Russian police officers, wearing face masks to protect from coronavirus, check documents of a man to ensure a self-isolation regime due to coronavirus, in Moscow, Russia. (AP)

The digital permits consist of a special code obtained by email or print sent to people after they indicate where they want to go, AFP reported.

The permits will last through the end of the month but will need to be renewed for each visit to a doctor.  Police, city officials, any journalists, among other select groups are reportedly exempt.

RUSSIAN BORDER NEW BATTLEGROUND AS CHINA’S COVID-19 CASES SHARPLY RISE: REPORT

Moscow, Russia’s most populated city, has been under lockdown since March 30. The expansion of tracking devices comes amid a surge of COVID-19 cases in recent weeks that has put a strain on the city's hospitals.

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

As of Monday, Russia has some 18,328 cases with 148 deaths, according to the latest figures from the Johns Hopkins University. The majority of cases and deaths are in Moscow.