Russia's culture minister tests positive for COVID-19

By Elena Teslova

MOSCOW (AA) – Wednesday saw the fourth case of coronavirus emerge among Russia’s ruling class.

Olga Lyubimova, 39, the culture minister, was diagnosed with coronavirus, but only a mild case, and so hospitalization is "out of the question," the ministry's press service said.

Lyubimova, 39, is at home in self-isolation and continues to work via video conferencing, it added

Last week, three top Russian officials, including Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, were hospitalized with confirmed coronavirus.

Despite strict measures, which include a lockdown of the capital Moscow, a ban on foreigners entering, and suspension of international air and railway traffic, Russia has become fifth in the world in the number of coronavirus cases, exceeding 165,000.

After originating in China last December, COVID-19 has spread to at least 187 countries and regions. Europe and the US are currently the worst-hit regions.

The pandemic has killed over 257,900 worldwide, with total infections over 3.68 million, while recoveries surpassed 1.20 million, according to figures compiled by the US’ Johns Hopkins University.