Pandemic hits Latin American leaders

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Bolivian interim President Jeanine Áñez announced on Thursday that she has tested positive for the coronavirus. That same day, Venezuelan socialist party chief Diosdado Cabello became the highest-ranking official in that country to get infected. Áñez said she will self-quarantine and work remotely from the presidential residence for 14 days before getting retested.

What other Latin American officials are affected? Three Bolivian Cabinet ministers have tested positive for COVID-19, including Health Minister Eidy Roca. On Tuesday, Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro confirmed he had the disease. Still, he continued to push for mayors and governors to reopen commerce, warning that “otherwise the consequences will be harmful for Brazil.”

Dig deeper: Read Mindy Belz’s report on how Belgium has responded to the pandemic.

Onize Oduah

Onize is WORLD’s Africa reporter and deputy global desk chief. She is a World Journalism Institute graduate and earned a journalism degree from Minnesota State University–Moorhead. Onize resides in Abuja, Nigeria.

@onize_ohiks