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Russia's Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin has told President Vladimir Putin that he has tested positive for the coronavirus, and has temporarily stepped back from his work as he begins a period of self isolation. 

Speaking during a televised meeting, Mishustin recommended to Putin that First Deputy Prime Minister Andrey Belousov should become the acting Prime Minister for the duration of his absence, a proposal that Putin supported.

'I have to observe self-isolation and follow orders of doctors. This is necessary to protect my colleagues,' Mishustin told Putin during the conference call, and said that he would be in constant contact 'on all the main issues.'

According to the Moscow Times, 54 year-old Mishustin has played a leading role in Russia's response to the Covid-19 pandemic. He was appointed Prime Minister in January.