Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin on Thursday announced he has tested positive for the coronavirus, as the country’s number of confirmed cases has reached 106,498 after its largest daily increase.
In a televised meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Mishustin said he has placed himself in self isolation to protect his colleagues, suggesting a temporary acting PM.
With Putin soon signed a decree, First Deputy Prime Minister Andrei Belousov will temporarily perform Mishustin’s duties.
The president assured Mishustin that contracting COVID-19 “can happen to anyone” and that no major decisions would be taken without his input.
“I hope that you stay able to work,” Putin told Mishustin, who is the highest Russian official to become infected.
“Call me as soon as you arrive to the hospital,” said Putin, who appointed Mishustin in a surprise decision in January, picking the formerly obscure tax service chief to replace longtime premier Dmitry Medvedev.
According to the government’s daily coronavirus update,a spike of 7,099 confirmed infections in the last 24 hours brought Russia’s total to 106,498 cases and 1,073 fatalities. While the virus has spread to all 85 regions of the country, Moscow remains the epicentre with around half the total cases.
