MOSCOW (Reuters) – Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday he would have to spend “a few days” in self-isolation after dozens of people in his entourage fell ill with COVID-19, the TASS news agency reported.

Putin spoke via video link during a summit organized by Russia’s security bloc in Tajikistan. Putin had originally planned to attend the summit in person, but he was unable to do so due the viral outbreak that broke in his circle of friends this week.

The extent of the virus outbreak and its duration were not known.

He stated, “This does not affect just one person. It is a spread that has affected dozens.”

And now, I need to stay in isolation for a few more days.

Putin, now 68 years old, has received two shots from Russia’s Sputnik V. The Kremlin stated that the president is healthy and was being tested for its effectiveness.

A strict protocol has been put in place by the Kremlin to protect Putin from COVID-19.

Visitors to the Kremlin have to go through special disinfection tunnels. Journalists attending events for Putin must pass multiple PCR tests. Some people he meets will be asked to quarantine and to undergo testing.