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Putin speaks to Russians with update on fight against Covid-19 (WATCH ADDRESS) Putin extends paid holiday period in Russia until end of April as Covid-19 cases spike
(30 minutes later)
President Vladimir Putin is delivering a televised address to the nation as the country faces a growing number of Covid-19 cases, which have seen a record-breaking increase since the previous day. Russia's week-long paid leave will be extended until the end of the month, President Vladimir Putin has announced in a national address. The country is bracing for the possible rapid growth of Covid-19 cases.
Putin made a similar address last Wednesday to announce new measures aimed at curbing the coronavirus epidemic and mitigating the damage it was doing to the Russian economy. The move comes a day after the President acknowledged that the situation with COVID-19 in Russia was becoming "complicated."
The previous package included a week of paid leave for employees in non-essential positions which people were expected to use to self-isolate, a boost to various social benefits, and new revenue taxes for the richer Russians. Putin said the peak of the coronavirus epidemic is yet to come both globally and in Russia. Moscow, which is the hardest hit Russian city, announced over 700 new confirmed cases on Thursday. 
Think your friends would be interested? Share this story! “I've made a decision to extend the time off until the end of the month, that is, until April 30 inclusively, I emphasize, while maintaining wages for employees,” the President said.
According to Putin, the combination of isolation regimes and holidays will allow Russia "to buy time for proactive measures." However, he conceded its too early to talk about turning the tide of infections. 
On Wednesday of last week, the President surprised Russians when he declared the period from March 28 to April 5 a paid holiday. However, the rules don't apply to people who can carry out their tasks from home and essential workers. 
Following Putin's announcement, most Russian regions introduced partial lockdowns and self-isolation regimes. 
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