LISBON – Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, who is seeking a second term in the January 24 elections, has tested positive for coronavirus, but so far has had no symptoms, his office said on Monday.
The 72-year-old president had a big presidential debate scheduled for Tuesday, as well as a meeting with health experts to discuss the details of a planned blockade to be announced on Wednesday, but his office said he has already canceled all their public appearances.
In a statement posted on its official website, Rebelo de Sousa’s office said the president had already reported the situation to Prime Minister António Costa and Health Minister Marta Temido.
Rebelo de Sousa will isolate himself at his official residence in Lisbon, the statement said.
The result of his positive test came after he was negative on January 6, after contacting someone who was infected and thus resumed his working hours.