MOSCOW, April 2. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin is expected to deliver a new address to the nation after 4 p.m. on Thursday, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters.
"Today, the president continues working in Novo-Ogaryovo, his working schedule includes one more address, which the president will record in the afternoon. In any case, this will be probably after 16:00 Moscow Time," Peskov said. "It can be expected starting from 16:00 Moscow Time."
Putin is currently working on the text of this address.
Speaking on whether Russia could extend the weeklong paid time off for another week, Peskov noted that "as of now no other decisions have been made." "So, let’s wait until the president says this [in his address to the nation]," the spokesman said.
Putin is also scheduled to hold several phone conversations with foreign partners in the afternoon. Besides, on Thursday the president will have several working "one-on-one" meetings behind closed doors.
In his last address to the nation on March 25, Putin declared a range of economic and social measures aimed at mitigating the aftermath of the coronavirus pandemic for citizens and businesses. The Russian leader also announced that the week from March 30 until April 5 would be paid days off.
This measure was necessary to prevent the coronavirus from spreading. The safest solution today is to stay at home, Putin stressed. During these days, restaurants, cafes, large parks as well as shops were shut down. All vital facilities, including medical centers, pharmacies, grocery stores, transport, and government bodies of all levels, continued working.