[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Suhwan] The President of Mexico has tested positive for the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19). Following former U.S. President Donald Trump, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, and Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, the Mexican president has also contracted COVID-19, continuing the trend of world leaders testing positive for the virus.
Andr?s Manuel L?pez Obrador, President of Mexico, announced on the 24th (local time) via Twitter that he tested positive for COVID-19, stating, "The symptoms are mild, but I am receiving treatment." He added, "The situation is very optimistic, and we will overcome this together," and said that the daily press conferences he personally conducted will be handled by the Interior Minister. He also mentioned that he will continue working from the presidential palace while undergoing treatment.
He is 67 years old this year and currently suffers from hypertension. In 2013, he was hospitalized due to a heart condition.
A Mexican health official stated, "Fortunately, the president's condition is stable and symptoms are mild. He is in isolation at the official residence," and added, "A team of medical professionals will take care of the president's health."
Despite the worsening COVID-19 situation in Mexico, he did not wear a mask in official public appearances. The only time he wore a mask was on airplanes during domestic and international trips, in compliance with airline mask mandates. In the early stages of the pandemic, he faced criticism from opposition parties for hugging supporters and encouraging dining out among citizens.
Currently, the cumulative number of COVID-19 cases in Mexico exceeds 1.73 million, with approximately 149,600 deaths. The death toll ranks fourth highest in the world, and the fatality rate is among the highest globally.
It is reported that hospital bed occupancy in Mexico City, the capital, has reached 90%, indicating a severe shortage of beds.
Despite the difficult-to-control spread, the Mexican government is focusing on vaccination efforts rather than strengthening lockdown measures.
Since the end of last month, Mexico has started vaccinating medical personnel with the Pfizer vaccine from the U.S. and BioNTech vaccine from Germany, administering about 630,000 doses over the past month.
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