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Mexico President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador tests Covid-19 positive, Internet says 'he never wears a mask'

'He doesn't distance himself from anyone. He's setting a horrible example for everyone in the country,' said a user

Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador revealed on Twitter on Sunday, January 24, that he has tested positive for Covid-19. The news comes at a time when Mexico is experiencing one of the worst periods of Covid-19 outbreaks, with the latest daily numbers being the highest ever since the start of the pandemic. The president, who said he is experiencing mild symptoms, had been criticized in the past for not wearing a mask most of the time in public. 

Latest statistics by Johns Hopkins University states that Mexico has 1,752,347 recorded Covid-19 cases. The number of deaths so far stands at 149,084, reported CNN. The country is among the only 17 countries in the world to report more than one million confirmed cases of Covid-19. 

What did the President tweet?

Tweeting from his official account on Sunday, President López Obrador said, “I regret to inform you that I am infected with COVID-19. The symptoms are mild but I am already under medical treatment. As always, I am optimistic. We will all move forward. Dr. Olga Sánchez Cordero will represent me in the morning to report how we do it every day.”

Dr. Olga Sánchez Cordero is the present Secretary of the Interior who will now conduct the morning briefings on behalf of the president. In the same tweet thread, he added that he would continue delegating his presidential duties from the Presidential palace. He also mentioned that on Monday, he will conduct a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss getting the Russian Sputnik V vaccine. 

"I will be conducting all public affairs from the National Palace. For example, tomorrow I will take a call from President Vladimir Putin, because irrespective of friendly relationships, there is a possibility that they will send us the Sputnik V vaccine," Lopez Obrador wrote.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau took to Twitter to extend his message wishing a speedy recovery to the Mexican President. “Sorry to hear the news, @LopezObrador_ - Sophie and I wish you a full and speedy recovery from the virus,” Trudeau wrote. 

Why are people criticizing the President?

Mexico currently experiences a dire situation in the Covid-19 crisis, with Mexico City and the state of Mexico being placed into “red level” spotlight alert system in December 2020. Incidentally, Mexico has one of the lowest testing rates among major countries of the world, and the tests are rare and expensive. One reason for this is because the top health officials believe that mass testing is a ‘waste of time’. 

Mexico City, which is the hardest-hit province, is struggling to accommodate patients in hospitals, as nearly 30 public hospitals have reached their 100% capacity. Mayor Claudia Sheinbaum has strictly insisted that residents do not go out unless absolutely necessary.

After the news about President López Obrador surfaced, Twitter has been flooded with recovery messages as well as negative reactions. Netizens pointed out that the President has consistently avoided wearing masks at most times and has not done enough to combat the COVID-19 crisis in the country. 

"He never wears a mask. He doesn't distance himself from anyone. He's setting a horrible example for everyone in the country. Hasn't offered any condolences to all those that are sick or have perished due to Covid. What a terrible mistake he has been for all of Mexico," pointed out one disgruntled user. One user said, "He has resisted wearing a face mask." Another user reminded everyone of the controversial 2014 tweet by the present President about his predecessor's illness. "Karma is a bitch #FuerzaPresidente," wrote the user with the original tweet by the President, which read, "There is a rumor that EPN is sick. I neither believe it nor wish it. But it is a good way out for his resignation due to his obvious disability."

"Today more than ever I endorse my admiration for you Mr. President @lopezobrador_.I send you all my strength and prayers that you will recover soon! You are admirable of good wood and this covid process will overcome you as you have overcome everything adverse in your life #FuerzaPresidenteFolded hands, said another user wishing him a speedy recovery.