BUENOS AIRES (Reuters) – Argentine President Alberto Fernandez has tested positive for the new coronavirus and is in a good mood, despite mild fever, first-time Peronist leader said on Saturday.
“I’m in good physical condition,” the president, who turned 62 on Friday, said in a tweet. He received the Russian Sputnik V vaccine against the coronavirus earlier this year.
“I would like to end my birthday without this news, but I have good courage,” Fernandez added.
He is in isolation, under COVID-19 protocols, but remains at work. Argentina’s vice president is the country’s former leader Cristina Fernandez, who has no relationship with the president.
The Russian Gamaleya Institute, which developed the vaccine, issued an open statement to Alberto Fernandez, saying that Sputnik V is 91.6% effective against infection and 100% effective against severe coronavirus cases.
“If the infection is confirmed, the vaccination ensures a quick recovery without serious symptoms. We wish you a speedy recovery! said it.
Argentina has been under lockout from the pandemic to varying degrees for more than a year. COVID-19 has so far killed more than 56,000 people in the country. About 682,868 Argentines have been fully vaccinated so far, and older people and health workers are being given priority, the government says.
Reporting by Eliana Raszewski and Hugh Bronstein in Buenos Aires Editing by William Mallard and Matthew Lewis