Russia energy minister to take part in OPEC+ meet despite positive COVID-19 test

Moscow — Russian energy minister Alexander Novak will take part in the OPEC+ meeting scheduled for Aug. 19, which will be held via video link, despite testing positive for coronavirus, energy ministry spokeswoman Olga Golant said Aug. 18.

She said Novak tested positive for COVID-19 during a working visit to the Far East of Russia.

"At the moment there are no symptoms of the virus, and Alexander Valentinovich feels well," she said.

Earlier on Aug. 18, Russian prime minister Mikhail Mishustin said Novak has tested positive for the virus and will receive treatment in Moscow.

Novak has served as the energy minister since May 2012, leading the ministry through periods of extreme price volatility and the introduction of Western sanctions. He has overseen a period of growing Russian influence on global energy markets, including expanding bilateral cooperation with Asian and African countries, and has been a key architect of the OPEC+ agreement.