Vladimir Putin in self-isolation due to Covid cases in his inner circle

Russian President Vladimir Putin in self-isolation after people in inner circle get infected to coronavirus

Moscow: Russian President Vladimir Putin entered self-isolation after people in his inner circle became infected with the coronavirus, the Kremlin said Tuesday, adding that the leader himself tested negative for COVID-19.

Putin, who is fully vaccinated with Russia's Sputnik V, held several public engagements indoors Monday and even said that he may have to quarantine soon. An aide at the time sought to suggest he was speaking generally and insisted Tuesday that no one's health was endangered.

During a daily conference call with reporters, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that Putin is absolutely healthy but had come in contact with someone who contracted the virus. Asked if Putin tested negative for the virus, Peskov said definitely, yes.

Peskov didn't say when Putin began self-isolating, when he tested negative, how long he would remain in self-isolation, or who among the president's contacts was infected. He did say there were several cases.