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Coronavirus pandemic

Putin seeks expert advice on reducing number of days off in April

The meeting involved scientists and other specialists, whose opinion is of principal and crucial importance for drawing up necessary measures to combat the coronavirus infection

NOVO-OGARYOVO, April 7. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin has suggested a discussion whether it is possible to reduce the number of days off declared over the coronavirus pandemic.

During a video conference with experts on the coronavirus situation on Tuesday, the president sought their advice whether the steps on announcing the days off until April 30 were right.

"It’s very important to listen to your opinion, dear friends, how do you think will there be a possibility to reduce the number of days when many enterprises in the country are not working, is this possible soon, what’s your forecast for the near future," Putin said.

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The president stressed that all decisions should depend on a threat and fit the particular situation. "The priority is the safety and health of Russian nationals. Meanwhile, it is important to ensure conditions for restoring economic and business activity as soon as possible," Putin emphasized.

The meeting involved scientists and other specialists, whose opinion is of principal and crucial importance for drawing up necessary measures to combat the coronavirus infection.

Earlier, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that taking part in the meeting would be Deputy Prime Minister Tatyana Golikova, Minister of Industry and Trade Denis Manturov, Minister of Health Mikhail Murashko and Presidential Aide Maxim Oreshkin. Other participants were experts, the heads and representatives of major medical and research centers that deal with issues related to combating the spread of viruses and developing vaccines.

To date, a total of 7,497 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 494 patients having recovered from the virus. Moscow accounts for the majority of cases (5,181). The country’s latest data indicates 58 fatalities nationwide. Earlier, the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation.

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