MOSCOW

Russia's President Vladimir Putin announced a 10 day non-working period in the country to prevent a surge in novel coronavirus cases.

Speaking at a meeting with country's chief sanitary officer Anna Popova on Friday, Putin backed her recommendation to lengthen public holidays in Russia from May 1 to 10.

Popova said that currently, the situation with COVID-19 in Russia is stable, however, it may worsen with spring coming and outdoor activities increasing and people interacting more actively.

"If you think it is necessary, we will do so, and today I will sign a related decree," Putin said.

Flights restored with Egypt

The Kremlin later announced that Putin and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi agreed to fully restore the air traffic, suspended in 2015 after a Russian passenger plane with more than 200 people aboard crashed in Egypt's Sinai Peninsula, killing 224 -- 217 passengers and seven crew members.

After the accident, Russia cancelled all flights to Egypt, demanding Cairo strengthen security in airports receiving flights from Russia.

Six years later, a special commission inspected the airports and recognized the security measures "satisfactory."

Egypt is the second popular holiday destination after Turkey among Russian nationals.