Putin extends lockdown in Russia until mid-May

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday extended a lockdown across the country aimed at tackling the spread of the new coronavirus until mid-May.

Putin talked with governors and medical officials via conference call and ordered people to stay at home and respect previously adopted measures in the regions.

The Russian leader had earlier ordered most businesses except essential industries shut until 30 April, and most Russian regions have implemented rigid lockdown measures.

Russia has recorded 93,558 virus cases and 867 deaths according to figures by the Johns Hopkins University.

There have been over 3 million cases or coronavirus reported by governments around the world, according to Johns Hopkins University. The number of infections is thought to be far higher because many people have not been tested, and studies suggest people can be infected with the virus without feeling sick.