President Vladimir Putin has eased Russia’s “non-working” period imposed to slow the spread of coronavirus even as Russia emerges as Europe’s new coronavirus hotspot.

During the nationwide “non-working” period, all non-essential businesses are required to close and employers ordered to continue paying staff. Apart from this, Putin has largely handed decision-making power on lockdown measures to regional authorities.

“Starting tomorrow, May 12, the national non-working period will end for the entire country and for all sectors of the economy,” Putin said in his sixth televised address on the coronavirus.

“But the fight with the epidemic isn’t ending, its threat remains even in territories where the situation is relatively safe,” he added.

Putin extended the regional governors’ authorities to impose restrictions during the outbreak and said doctors will have the “final say” on when to lift restrictions.

https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2020/05/11/putin-eases-nationwide-virus-lockdown-as-russia-becomes-3rd-most-infected-country-a70240