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President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Good evening, Mr Mishustin.

Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin: Good evening.

Mr President, I have just found out that I tested positive for the coronavirus. As such, according to the requirements of Rospotrebnadzor, I must self-isolate and follow doctors’ orders. I must do this to protect my colleagues.

The Government will continue to operate as normal. I plan to keep up regularly with my colleagues by telephone, and by videoconference with you, Mr President, on all major issues. I suggest appointing Andrei Belousov as Acting Prime Minister.

Vladimir Putin: Mr Mishustin, what is happening to you now could happen to anyone. I say this all the time.

You are a very industrious person and I would like to thank you for all you have done up to now. Obviously, Government members and colleagues from the Presidential Executive Office are at high risk because despite all the restrictions on interpersonal contact, it is impossible to adopt decisions without working directly with others, with one’s colleagues. Of course, this comes as no surprise.

But I would like to say that I hope you will be in good enough shape to work and remain actively involved in formulating the decisions that we discussed at today’s meeting on extending support to people, the economy in general and its individual industries, especially those that have been hit hardest recently by the coronavirus pandemic. You will not just take part in formulating these decisions. I want to tell you that the final decisions will not be adopted without your participation.

I would like to wish you the speediest recovery possible. Get well soon.

Mikhail Mishustin: Thank you, Mr President.

In the current circumstances, I would like to once again ask all citizens of our country to take the coronavirus and its spread as seriously as possible.

The May holidays are ahead, and I ask all of you to stay at home and observe all necessary restrictions. I am sure that together we will be able to defeat this virus and return to normal life. The Government is taking and will take all necessary steps for this.

I ask you all to remember that today, the date when the country can return to normal life depends on the discipline and willpower of each of us.

Take care of yourselves and your loved ones.

Vladimir Putin: Mr Mishustin, your proposal regarding the nomination of Mr Belousov for the position of Acting Prime Minister of the Russian Federation is accepted. Today I will sign the corresponding Executive Order.

Get well as soon as possible.

Mikhail Mishustin: Thank you for your support and kind words.

Vladimir Putin: When you arrive at the hospital, please call me. I will be awaiting your call. Talk to you later.

Mikhail Mishustin: All right. Take care.

Vladimir Putin: Take care.

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