Putin admits PPE shortage as lockdown extended
Russian President Vladimir Putin has admitted that there surely is a shortage of protective kit for medics as the country battles the coronavirus.
This was despite a large upsurge in production and imports, he said.
Mr Putin warned that the peak of the coronavirus infection rate had not yet been reached in the united states, and the population must remain vigilant.
Russia's lockdown aimed at containing the spread of Covid-19 was extended until 11 May.
It has a lot more than 93,000 coronavirus cases, with 867 recorded deaths.
The president said there is still insufficient protective equipment for health personnel on the frontline of the crisis.
"Compared to before, [we're producing] a lot. But compared what we need, it's still insufficient," he said throughout a televised briefing.
"Despite increased production, imports - there's a deficit of most sorts of things," he added.
Medics have complained about working without proper protective clothing, especially in Russia's regions.
Russia is now making 100,000 protective suits for medics each day, up from 3,000 a day in March, he said. Production of masks in addition has increased more than 10 times, to 8.5 million each day in April.
Mr Putin said that as the government had were able to "slow the spread" of the epidemic, Russians would need to self-isolate for longer.
He said the lockdown would continue for just two more weeks, though he instructed the federal government to draw up suggestions by 5 May for a gradual easing of restrictions.
"The deadly danger of the virus remains," he said.
