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Russian President Vladimir Putin urged Russians to show discipline and responsibility and "to stay home" due to the coronavirus pandemic during his address to the nation amid the COVID-19 outbreak, TASS news reported.

He called on Russians to carefully follow all measures taken to combat the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). "I urge all citizens to carefully follow the recommendations of doctors and the government. A lot depends on it right now," the Russian leader said. Putin noted that this especially concerns the older generation and those suffering from chronic illnesses.

Vladimir Putin declared the next week to be an official holiday with pay due to the coronavirus. "Now it is extremely important to prevent the threat of the rapid spread of the disease, therefore, I declare the next week to be a public holiday with pay, that is, days off will last from Saturday March 28 to Sunday April 5," President Putin said in his address to Russian citizens on Wednesday.

The leader warned Russians that the coronavirus pandemic should not be taken lightly. "The long weekend is provided to slow down the spread of the virus. I appeal to all citizens of the country: let’s not act irresponsibly. Please don’t take ‘the leave it to chance’ attitude that ‘It won’t affect me.’ It can affect everyone," he stressed.

The president announced that the constitutional vote has to be postponed due to the coronavirus.
"I believe that the vote needs to be postponed to a later date. We will see how the situation unfolds in the regions and in the country on the whole, and will make a decision on a new date based on expert opinion," Putin emphasized.