President Vladimir Putin has said there will be “no lockdown” in Russia to curb the spread of Covid-19, despite the country facing a steep surge in infections driven by the highly contagious Omicron variant, reports AFP.

“No lockdown is planned,” Putin said at a meeting with Russian businessmen aired on state television, adding that Russia will even ease some restrictions.

“In the near future, restrictions on contact persons can be lifted, so that people can work peacefully,” Putin said.