With several politicians, ministers and a head of state in recent weeks falling victim to the virus, Russian President Vladimir Putin’s close encounter with a potential Covid-19 infected person last week has raised speculations about his health.According to a media report, a doctor who had accompanied Putin during a round of a hospital in Moscow to check its preparedness for the pandemic has been diagnosed with the coronavirus infection.Putin had visited the Kommunarka hospital and chatted with the doctor on March 28, but neither of them had worn any protective cover during their meeting, the report said, citing TV footage from the visit.
Later on Facebook, Dr Denis Protsenko said: “Yes, I have tested positive for coronavirus, but I feel pretty good. I’ve isolated myself in my office. I think the immunity I’ve developed this month is doing its job.”Kremlin, however, reassured there was nothing to worry about Putin’s health, saying that he has been regularly tested for coronavirus and that “everything is okay,” according the RIA Novosti news agency. Putin’s health is being monitored for all the illnesses “around the clock,” it said.
Putin, though, was wearing a hazmat suit and a respirator, during his tour of the hospital wards to meet the patients.Russia has clamped a lockdown after declaring the Covid-19 pandemic a national emergency. The lawmakers also approved steep penalties, including jail terms of up to seven years for violating the order.In the recent past, several high-profile politicians, including UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson, Health Minister Nadine Dorries as well as several lawmakers in the US, Canada, and Europe have reported self-quarantine after contracting the virus.
Author Profile
- India Writes Network (www.indiawrites.org) is an emerging think tank and a media-publishing company focused on international affairs & the India Story. Centre for Global India Insights is the research arm of India Writes Network. To subscribe to India and the World, write to editor@indiawrites.org. A venture of TGII Media Private Limited, a leading media, publishing and consultancy company, IWN has carved a niche for balanced and exhaustive reporting and analysis of international affairs. Eminent personalities, politicians, diplomats, authors, strategy gurus and news-makers have contributed to India Writes Network, as also “India and the World,” a magazine focused on global affairs.
Latest entries
In ConversationJuly 26, 2024India-Italy defence collaboration can extend to third countries: Anil Wadhwa- In ConversationJuly 23, 2024Italy views India as a key partner in Indo-Pacific: Vani Rao
- DiplomacyJune 29, 2024First BRICS unveils a roadmap for boosting tourism among emerging economies
- India and the WorldJune 11, 2024On Day 1, Jaishankar focuses on resolving standoff with China
