Russian President Putin Extends National Paid Leave

Russian President Vladimir Putin has extended national paid leave to 11 May citing the need for extensive efforts to fighting the deadly coronavirus pandemic.

Speaking on Tuesday in a televised address to the nation during his online meeting with the government and regional governors, Putin said:

We are now facing a new, perhaps the most intense stage in the fight against the epidemic. The risks of getting infected have reached a climax. The threat, the mortal danger of the virus persists, and this can affect everyone.

He ordered the government to prepare for the relaxation of lockdown restrictions on 11 May and to establish ways through which the economy can be supported.

Russia’s total number of confirmed coronavirus cases as of Tuesday 28 April 2020 stood at 93 558.

More: Xinhua