Russia culture minister, Olga Lyubimova tests positive for COVID-19

Olga Lyubimova, the culture minister of Russia has tested positive for the COVID-19 infection, making her the third cabinet member of Russia with a confirmed case, the TASS news agency reported on Wednesday.

Lyubimova has mild symptoms of coronavirus and is continuing to work remotely, conducting meetings online, her press secretary Anna Usacheva said.

Last week, the Prime Minister of Russia, Mikhail Mishustin told President Vladimir Putin on state television that he had been diagnosed and was temporarily stepping down to recover.

First Deputy Prime Minister, Andrei Belousov is replacing Mishustin in his absence.

Construction Minister Vladimir Yakushev also said last week he had tested positive with the viral disease and would be treated in hospital. Dmitry Volkov, one of his deputies, also tested positive, the ministry said at the time.

Earlier on Wednesday, Russian COVID-19 crisis response center said that the number of cases had surge to more than 10,000 for a fourth consecutive day and now stood at 165,929. Russia has recorded 1,537 coronavirus-related deaths.