Vladimir Putin has been granted an exemption to a rule demanding all over 65s in Moscow self-isolate at home amid the coronavirus scare.
The move comes as senior officials and members of the public are being strictly tested before meeting the 67-year-old Russian president.
A video shows Putin's loyal ally and defence minister Sergei Shoigu undergoing a Covid-19 test on his plane returning from Syria.
Russia has the lowest official infection rate among major countries - but the Kremlin is taking no chances. Putin's spokesman said that since the strongman lives and works "state residences" the edict from Moscow mayor Sergei Sobyanin for the over 65s to self isolate was a "relative term" in relation to the Russian president.