Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov tests positive for coronavirus: report

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov has tested positive for the coronavirus and has been hospitalized, according to local media reports on Tuesday.

"Yes, I am sick. I am receiving treatment," Peskov was quoted as saying by the Interfax news agency.

Peskov said he had last met Putin in person over a month ago, the TASS news agency reported.

Russia hasconfirmed 10,899 new COVID-19 casesin the past 24 hours, raising its total number to 232,243, its coronavirus response center said.

The single-day increase has been over 10,000 for 10 consecutive days and the death toll from the virus also rose to 2,116 in the country, the center's data showed.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Monday thatRussia will end its non-working period starting Tuesdaybut the ban on mass public gatherings will be upheld.

The president also announced new welfare payments for families with children and there will be new support measures for the economy.

The Kremlin introduced the measures in late March, saying Russians not working in essential jobs would have to stay at home but still receive their salaries as part of sweeping efforts to contain the virus.

(CGTN)