Mexico’s president tests positive for COVID-19

Mexico’s President Andrés Manuel López Obrador announced Sunday that he has tested positive for COVID-19.

“I regret to inform you that I am infected with COVID-19,” López Obrador tweeted. “The symptoms are mild but I am already under medical treatment. As always, I am optimistic. We will all move forward.”  

López Obrador confirmed that he will continue working following the diagnosis, including taking a call with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday about obtaining doses of the Russian Sputnik V COVID-19 vaccine. 

Lamento informarles que estoy contagiado de COVID-19. Los síntomas son leves pero ya estoy en tratamiento médico. Como siempre, soy optimista. Saldremos adelante todos. Me representará la Dra. Olga Sánchez Cordero en las mañaneras para informar como lo hacemos todos los días.

— Andrés Manuel (@lopezobrador_) January 25, 2021

Yo estaré pendiente de los asuntos públicos desde Palacio Nacional. Por ejemplo, mañana atenderé una llamada con el presidente Vladimir Putin porque, independientemente de las relaciones de amistad, existe la posibilidad de que nos envíen la vacuna Sputnik V.

— Andrés Manuel (@lopezobrador_) January 25, 2021

The vaccine has not been approved for use in Mexico, according to The Associated Press. The country has been distributing the Pfizer vaccine. 

A slate of world leaders has tested positive for COVID-19 amid the ongoing pandemic, including former President Trump, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro and Monaco’s Prince Albert II.

Mexico has reported a surge in COVID-19 cases throughout the fall and winter, with more than 1.7 million coronavirus cases across the country. Mexico reported 20,057 COVID-19 cases on Saturday, as well as 1,470 fatalities.