Russian PM Mikhail Mishustin tests positive for COVID-19

Moscow: Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin says he has tested positive for COVID-19.

The PM said he had informed President Vladimir Putin that he would go into self-isolation. First Deputy Prime Minister Andrei Belousov will temporarily perform Mishustin’s duties, but the PM would stay in touch on key issues.

Mishustin, 54 , was named Prime Minister in January. During a video call, Putin voiced hope that Mishustin would continue taking part in drafting policies to shore up the Russian economy, which has been hurt by the pandemic.

In Russia, the PM oversees the economy and answers to the President. It was not immediately clear when Putin last met with Mishustin in person. The Russian president has minimized meetings and switched to holding video conferences with officials during the pandemic.