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Russia's Putin orders month of non-work to curb coronavirus

President Vladimir Putin has ordered most Russians to stay off work until the end of the month to curb the spread of the coronavirus.

Speaking in a televised address to the nation on Thursday, Putin said he was extending the non-working policy he ordered earlier for this week to remain in force throughout April.

He said there are exceptions for essential industries will keep operating, and grocery stores and pharmacies will remain open.

Russian President Vladimir Putin chairs a cabinet meeting via videoconference at the Novo-Ogaryovo residence outside Moscow, Russia, Wednesday, April 1, 2020. Putin said that more than 20,000 Russians are waiting for a chance to come back amid the pandemic. The new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms for most people, but for some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness or death. (Alexei Druzhinin, Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP)

Putin said that it would be up to the regional authorities to decide which sectors should keep working in their areas.

He said Russia's virus-prevention strategies have bought time and helped slow down the outbreak but also warned that cases haven't yet peaked.

Putin said that along with protecting the public's health, it's also important to protect people's incomes and prevent a spike in unemployment.

FILE - In this file photo taken on Tuesday, March 24, 2020, Russian President Vladimir Putin wearing a protective suit enters a hall during his visit to the hospital for coronavirus patients in Kommunarka, outside Moscow, Russia. Russian authorities declared a war on "fake news" related to the new coronavirus. The crusade was triggered by what looked like a real disinformation campaign, but as the outbreak in Russia picked up speed and criticism of the Kremlin's "it is under control" stance mounted, the authorities cracked down on social media users doubting the official numbers and news outlets questioning the government's response to the epidemic. (Alexei Druzhinin, Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP, File)