Russian President Vladimir Putin on Oct. 20 backed a Cabinet proposal for workers to stay home for a week in a move to stem a dramatic increase in COVID-19 cases in the country, the German Press Agency, dpa, reported.
Russian workers are being told to stay home from Oct. 30 to Nov. 7, but they will continue to be paid their wages, according to the report. Regions where the situation is particularly bad can extend the duration.
Russia used a similar strategy last year at the beginning of the pandemic. It was met by criticism from businesses, who argued that the government was placing an unfair burden on employers.
Russian statistics showed 1,028 COVID-19-related deaths within 24 hours on Oct. 20, more than ever before.