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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 coronavirus concerns.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".
The proposed changes include scrapping a ban on allowing Mr Putin to run for office again.The proposed changes include scrapping a ban on allowing Mr Putin to run for office again.
The changes have already been approved by parliament and Russia's constitutional court.The changes have already been approved by parliament and Russia's constitutional court.
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.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.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."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.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.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.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.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.He also announced extended welfare support, including for families with children and those who had lost jobs.
Russia has already taken measures such as a two-week quarantine for people arriving from abroad, school closures and warning for elderly people in Moscow to self-isolate.
It has also stopped cultural and sporting events and closed gyms, cinemas and nightclubs, although cafes and restaurants have been allowed to stay open.
But the country has so far stopped short of imposing the kind of lockdown seen in some European countries.
What is the situation across Europe?What is the situation across Europe?
There have been more than 435,000 confirmed cases worldwide. Europe is now the centre of the global outbreak.There have been more than 435,000 confirmed cases worldwide. Europe is now the centre of the global outbreak.
How have you been affected by the issues relating to coronavirus? Share your experiences by emailing haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk.How have you been affected by the issues relating to coronavirus? Share your experiences by emailing haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk.
Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a BBC journalist. You can also contact us in the following ways:Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a BBC journalist. You can also contact us in the following ways: