Vladimir Putin to self-isolate after Covid found in his inner-circle

Russian President Vladimir Putin gestures as he delivers his speech during a plenary session at the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok, Russia. Photo / File

Russian President Vladimir Putin is going into self-isolation because of coronavirus cases in his inner circle, the Kremlin said on Tuesday.

The announcement came in the Kremlin's readout of Putin's phone call with Tajik President Emomali Rahmon.

Putin has been fully vaccinated with the Russian coronavirus vaccine Sputnik V – he received his second shot in April.

On Monday, the Russian president attended several public events. He met with the Russian Paralympians, attended military exercises conducted in co-ordination with Belarus, and met with Syrian President Bashar Assad.

Russian President Vladimir Putin, right, listens to Syrian President Bashar Assad during their meeting in the Kremlin in Moscow. Photo / Kremlin Pool

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters that Putin is "absolutely healthy", but will self-isolate after coming in contact with someone who contracted the virus. He didn't clarify for how long Putin would remain in self-isolation but assured that the president will continue working as usual.

Asked if Putin tested negative for the virus, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said "of course, yes".

Peskov didn't say who among Putin's contacts were infected, saying only that there were several cases.