Syria's President Bashar al-Assad and his wife Asma have tested positive for COVID-19, a statement by the presidency said on Monday.

"After experiencing mild symptoms that resemble COVID-19, President al-Assad and first lady Asma al-Assad took a PCR test, and the result showed that they are infected with the virus," the presidency said. 

"They are in good health and their condition is stable," it said, adding that the couple will quarantine for up to three weeks.  

Assad is 55 and his wife is 10 years his junior. Their positive test results came more than a week after Syria started vaccinating frontline health workers.

(With input from AFP)