Thank heavens for coronavirus! I know I shouldn't say that but there are some small blessings in the current pandemic. 

In Russia, the national referendum to extend Vladimir Putin's stay in office for another 12 years has been postponed.

The proposal that he continue for two more six-year terms after his present stint ends in 2024 was due to be put to the people next Wednesday. But thanks to Covid-19 the vote has been deferred.

Given his vice-like grip on the levers of power of that vast country and the muted opposition to him, there can be little doubt which way it would have gone. He would effectively have been endorsed as president for life.

But now there is a pause — if a brief one — in his relentless march to unchallenged, autocratic supremacy.