Head of Russian coronavirus hospital visited by Putin tests positive for Covid-19

Denis Protsenko, head doctor at the main hospital treating coronavirus patients in Moscow has tested positive for Covid-19. President Vladimir Putin visited the clinic just last week, and spend considerable time with Protsenko.

The doctor confirmed the news on Facebook and said he is self-isolating in his office. Despite the diagnosis, he is set to continue his work.

"Dear friends, I'm really touched by your concerns," he wrote." Yes, I've tested positive for the CoV, but I feel quite well. I've self-isolated at my office where I have everything needed for remote work, control and video consultations."

Protsenko has been a leading figure in the fight against Covid-19 in Russia. He has been posting daily reports and updates about the situation at the clinic on social media.

Putin inspected the clinic on March 24, where he met with Protsenko and visited some patients while wearing a hazmat suit.

The news sparked fears that the president might have contracted the virus as well, but Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov assured the media that this was not the case.

"[Putin] is regularly tested for coronavirus. Everything is normal," Peskov said.

Though Russia has been only moderately affected by the pandemic so far, compared to other major European countries, it experienced a huge surge in cases on Tuesday. The total number of confirmed cases spiked by 500 to 2,337, while the death toll almost doubled, jumping from nine to 17.

Worldwide, the coronavirus tally has already surpassed the 800,000 mark, while almost 39,000 people have died from Covid-19-related causes.

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