Published 14 Apr 2020
The country reported 2,558 new cases on Monday, bringing the total number of confirmed infections to 18,328.
Eighteen people died overnight, pushing the death toll to 148.
Though the number is rising, the number of deaths remains much lower than other countries, such as the United States and Italy.
Moscow, the worst-hit area, and several other regions have imposed a lockdown, ordering residents to stay at home except to buy food, seek urgent medical treatment, take out the rubbish, or go to work if absolutely necessary.
Putin told officials at a televised meeting held by video link to consider using the army to help tackle the crisis, noting how it had sent doctors and medical equipment to Italy and Serbia in recent weeks to help.
A similar move to send medical aid to the United States angered the Kremlin’s critics, who cast it as a publicity stunt that squandered precious resources, something the Kremlin denied, saying Moscow could now expect help from the United States in the future.
“You need to use this experience, of course, and bear in mind that all these options, including the options of the defence ministry, if needed, can and should be involved here,” Putin said.
Putin told officials that the resources displayed by the army were “only a fraction of what the defence ministry has” and that “the main reserves are still in reserve, so you need to keep this in mind”.
Separately, Moscow launched a new website on Monday ahead of a permit system it wants to launch on Wednesday which means residents will have to get permission before using public transport or their owns cars.( Evening Standard )
