Putin supports Moscow Mayor's proposals on easing coronavirus lockdown

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday said he supported proposals by Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin to gradually ease some restrictions aimed at preventing the spread of the novel coronavirus.

Sobyanin said some businesses could return to work from May 12, but urged citizens to continue observing self-isolation measures where possible.

The country's coronavirus crisis response centre said earlier on Wednesday that the number of cases had risen by more than 10,000 for a fourth consecutive day and now stood at 165,929. Russia has recorded 1,537 coronavirus-related deaths.