He said the deadlines for ending the epidemic depend on "how citizens will respect this self-isolation and other government recommendations to prevent the spread of the virus."

According to Maleev, the most optimistic forecast for the end date of the COVID-19 epidemic in Russia is the beginning of June.

At the same time, the academician notes that such a forecast will come true only if events develop in the best way.

He added that “a final victory” can be discussed only when a vaccine is developed.

Earlier, Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said that the peak incidence of coronavirus infection in Moscow had not yet arrived, serious tests were ahead to be prepared.