Constitutional referendum postponed in Russia due to coronavirus

Russian President Vladimir Putin announced on Wednesday that a referendum on a series of constitutional amendments — including one that would allow him to remain in power through 2036 — will be postponed due to coronavirus.

Putin did not set a new date, though. There are 658 cases of coronavirus officially reported in Russia without a single confirmed fatality.

Putin insisted the situation was “under control,” but he elevated his warnings today and said non-essential workers should stay home next week.