Russia extends non-working period until May 11 due to coronavirus
Updated 08:38, 29-Apr-2020
CGTN

Russian President Vladimir Putin announced on Tuesday that the country's non-working period will be extended until May 11 due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Putin last month announced a nationwide "holiday" from March 28 to April 5 in an attempt to curb the coronavirus spread. The period was later extended until the end of April.

Speaking on Tuesday, Putin also warned that Russia has not reached the peak of coronavirus yet, adding restrictions could be lifted step by step starting from May 12.

"We have managed to slow the spread of the epidemic ... The daily number of new detected cases of the disease has stabilized," Putin said during a televised video-conference with regional officials. 

"But this should not reassure us. The situation remains very difficult. The experts and scientists, who we are in constant contact with to check our plans and measures, say that the peak has not yet been reached." 

He ordered the government to come up with a plan for a "phased exit" from quarantine regimes from May 12 "depending on the epidemiological situation" in the country's regions. 

He also ordered officials to develop a new "package of urgent measures to support the economy."

Russia recorded more than 6,400 new coronavirus cases on Tuesday, bringing its total to 93,558. The number of recorded deaths has remained low in comparison to other countries, with the toll at 867 as of Tuesday.

During the non-working period, essential services including government, pharmacies, and food stores will remain open.

(With input from AFP)