Putin self-isolating after several COVID-19 cases in inner circle

The Kremlin announced on Tuesday that Russian President Vladimir Putin is self-isolating after several people in his inner circle tested positive for the coronavirus.

According to Reuters, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters that Putin will take a break from in-person meetings.

“Of course we know who fell ill in the president’s entourage and the self-isolation [regime] does not directly affect the president’s work,” Peskov said. “But it’s just that in-person meetings will not take place for a while. But that does not affect their frequency and the president will continue his activity via video conferences.”

Putin reportedly tested negative for COVID-19 and made the decision to self-isolate after consulting with his doctors.

“The president is absolutely healthy,” Peskov said, according to Reuters.

Putin acknowledged his isolation on a Tuesday call with Tajikistan President Emomali Rahmon, CNN reported, saying that he would be self-isolating for “a certain period of time.”

The Russian president was fully vaccinated against the virus earlier this year, receiving two doses of the Sputnik COVID-19 vaccine.