Russian PM Mishustin Tests Positive for Virus

Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin said he has tested positive for COVID-19, according to the Kremlin on Thursday.

“I just learned that I have tested positive for the coronavirus,” Mr Mishustin told Russian President Vladimir Putin during a video conference, the Kremlin said in a statement.

The Prime Minister said he has to selfisolate and follow the doctors’ orders. “The government will continue to operate normally,” he added.

Russian First Deputy Prime Minister Andrei Belousov will temporarily perform Mr Mishustin’s duties.

According to the Kremlin, Mr Putin has signed the decree on Mr Belousov’s appointment. Mr Mishustin will now go into self-isolation.

“What’s happening to you can happen to anyone, and I’ve always been saying this,” Mr Putin told him.

“You are a very active person. I would like to thank you for the work that has been done so far.”