MOSCOW, April 7. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin is awaiting reports from specialists on the prospects of creating a vaccine against the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) and drugs aimed to treat this disease.

"I know that our dedicated agencies along with virologists, pharmacists, doctors are actively working on a special prevention system, namely on the creation of vaccines and effective methods of treatment of the coronavirus infection and its complications. Today, I would like to hear your opinions on the matter and your estimations of the prospects of development of such drugs," the Russian leader said during a session on the development of the coronavirus situation and the measures taken to prevent the infection. Putin has also offered to discuss the protection of those at high risk of contracting the disease. "Specialists state that the self-isolation regime is the most effective measure that can break the chain of infection. At the same time, we realize that the corresponding support and aid is necessary to protect those at high risk of contracting the disease — family members of those infected, doctors, nurses, hospital personnel, medical personnel providing aid to those who face the risk of infection," the president noted.

In late December 2019, Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization (WHO) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, in central China. Since then, cases of the novel coronavirus — named COVID-19 by the WHO — have been reported in every corner of the globe, including Russia.

On March 11, 2020, the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic. According to the latest statistics, roughly 1,350,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 74,000 deaths have been reported. That said, over 286,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe.

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.