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