“This external threat could not, of course, pass over Russia. Moreover, part of our large country, a significant part is located in the east, in the Far East, beyond the Urals, and a significant part of the population lives in our European part. We have contacts with some countries of the world and with another part of the world, ”the head of state said.

As the president noted, the virus "never had any state borders."

“Today this is a special situation, taking into account the large number of movements of people in the world. However, thanks to the operational measures taken in advance both at the regional level and at the federal level, in the first week of the epidemic in the world, we managed to contain the massive, I want to emphasize the massive penetration and spread of the disease in Russia, ”he added.

According to the president, at present the situation is "in general under control."

“Medical organizations, border guards and other services are operating on high alert,” he said.

He drew attention to the fact that most states have already faced the consequences of this disease in the health and economic sectors.

“In some countries, such as for example our friends in the People’s Republic of China or in the Republic of Korea, the situation is changing, and it is changing for the better. But in other states, including European countries, a difficult, sometimes even difficult situation is taking shape. Suddenly, almost every day, the number of patients grows, ”he said.

Putin recalled that emergency measures and emergency measures were being taken in these countries, including quarantine, border closure, restriction of mass events, and the abolition of air and other types of communications.

“In a special mode, educational institutions work or close. Obviously, such measures are justified and dictated by objective circumstances ... We certainly wish all our colleagues success on this path in the fight against this infection, ”he said.

During the meeting, Deputy Prime Minister Tatyana Golikova said that as of March 17, 114 cases of COVID-19 infection had been recorded in Russia.

RT was broadcast live.