Putin reveals Russian Education Minister tested positive for COVID-19

Russian President Vlimir Putin said on May 14 that education minister h caught COVID-19, making him one of few high-ranking officials to be infected from dely virus. Speaking at a televised meeting via videoconference, Putin said it was “ secret” that Valery Falkov, minister of science and higher education, h tested positive and recovered.

Russia has witnessed a drastic rise in number of coronavirus cases in past few weeks, overtaking Italy and United Kingdom. It has reported over 250,000 confirmed cases of coronavirus, only behind US and Spain, and 2,305 deaths so far. Putin said during meeting that Kremlin has dedicated its efforts primarily to countering coronavirus pandemic and preparing urgent measures.

“Let me reiterate, however, that as situation changes we can once again focus on matters on our current and long-term ndas,” said Russian President.

Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin recently tested positive for coronavirus and is currently being treated for infection. Mikhail was first high-ranking official in Russian Federation to have contracted dely disease. Putin’s closest aide and spokesperson Dmitry Peskov also contracted vel coronavirus and has been hospitalised.

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Historic low approval rating

Putin achieved a major landmark of 20 years at helm on May 7, 2020, but his approval rating has plunged to an all-time low as country struggles to fight pandemic. According to reports, Putin's approval rating hit 59%, which is a historic low according to Leva Centre, an independent Russian n-governmental polling and sociological research organisation.

last time when Putin's approval rating was below 59% was in September 1999, when he h first assumed role of Prime Minister of Russia. As per Leva Center polling ncy, out of 1,608 respondents that took part in poll via phone survey, 33% disapproved of Putin's work.

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(Im credit: AP)