Russian Prime minister, Mikhail Mishustin has informed President Vladimir Putin of his decision to temporarily stepping down as prime minister of the Russian Federation pending when he will recover from coronavirus.
He broke the news hours after the number of confirmed cases of the virus in Russia surged past the 100,000 marks.
Mishustin, who has been one of the main coordinators of Russia’s response to the new coronavirus, is the first high-ranking Russian official to say he or she has the virus publicly.
Russian Prime Minister Tests Positive For COVID-19
However, he has suggested First Deputy Prime Minister Andrei Belousov serve as acting prime minister in his absence.
Mishustin said he would remain in contact with members of the government and Putin by phone and video conference despite his condition.
In the meantime, President Putin has wished Mishustin a speedy recovery and said he agreed with the proposed replacement.
Russia this week overtook China and Iran in the number of confirmed cases arising from the global pandemic but has so far reported 1,073 coronavirus-related deaths.
