President Putin warns Russia has not yet reached peak of #coronavirus infections

Russian Leader prolongs nationwide paid leave and partial lockdown until May 11 as daily Covid-19 infections surge

President Vladimir Putin on Monday said Russians will have to self-isolate until May 11 as the country braces itself for the peak of the Covid-19 epidemic.

The Coronvirus has infected over 95,000 people nationwide and over 800 have died of the pandemic virus.

Putin made the latest announcement during a closely watched address as the previous April 30 deadline was set to expire. 

That date was set on April 2, and involved a combination of partial lockdowns and paid holidays for all Russians working in non-essential roles. The gradual removal of the coronavirus lockdown measures will begin from May 12, Putin said, giving the government a week to come up with recommendations on how to make it work.

Russian leader said the country was able to slow the spread of virus, but the situation remains difficult as the peak of the epidemic has not yet passed. “The instantaneous removal of the coronavirus restrictions is off the agenda,” he said, as the country is on the verge of “possibly the most challenging stage in the battle with the epidemic.”

The president also ordered ministers to prepare a package of urgent measures to support the economy and citizens amid the crisis.

Since the first coronavirus-related death was reported in mid-March, 867 people have succumbed to the disease while more than 8,400 have been able to successfully recover.