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Coronavirus delays Russian vote on Putin staying in power Coronavirus delays Russian vote on Putin staying in power
(32 minutes later)
Russian President Vladimir Putin has postponed a vote on constitutional change that would allow him to stay in power, because of concerns over coronavirus. Russian President Vladimir Putin has postponed a vote on constitutional change that would allow him to stay in power, because of coronavirus concerns.
He said the public vote - previously due to be held on 22 April - would be delayed until a "later date".He said the public vote - previously due to be held on 22 April - would be delayed until a "later date".
He also announced that Russians would not work next week "to slow the speed" of the infection. The proposed changes include scrapping a ban on allowing Mr Putin to run for office again.
This breaking news story is being updated and more details will be published shortly. Please refresh the page for the fullest version. The changes have already been approved by parliament and Russia's constitutional court.
You can receive Breaking News on a smartphone or tablet via the BBC News App. You can also follow @BBCBreaking on Twitter to get the latest alerts. They would give Mr Putin - who is serving his fourth presidential term and has dominated Russian politics for two decades - the right to serve two more consecutive terms.
On Wednesday Russia confirmed 163 new cases, bringing its total to 658. So far no one has died from the virus there, officials say.
"The absolute priority for us is the health, life and safety of people. Therefore I believe that the vote should be postponed until a later date," Mr Putin said.
Mr Putin also announced that Russians would not work next week "to slow the speed" of the infection.
But he warned that it was impossible to prevent any spread of the virus at all in Russia because of the country's size.
The Russian economy was also under serious pressure because of the virus, Mr Putin said.
During their week off employees would continue to be paid and key services would continue, he said.
He also announced extended welfare support, including for families with children and those who had lost jobs.