SANTIAGO, May 26, 2020 (BSS/AFP) – Chile registered a new high for
coronavirus cases on Monday, with nearly 5,000 infections in 24 hours,
including two ministers in President Sebastian Pinera’s government.
Health authorities announced 4,895 new infections in the South American
country and 43 deaths.
Public Works Minister Alfredo Moreno and Energy Minister Juan Carlos Jobet
said they were among those with the disease.
“I have been informed that the COVID-19 test I had a few days ago was
positive,” Moreno said on Twitter, adding that he had no symptoms so far.
The 63-year-old minister had placed himself in quarantine after one of his
staff tested positive.
Jobet also tested positive after starting to quarantine preventatively on
Saturday, “when he experienced mild symptoms, which could be associated with
the disease,” a statement from the Energy Ministry said.
The 44-year-old minister “has had no direct contact with President
Sebastian Pinera or other cabinet members in recent days,” the statement said,
without specifying how he became infected.
Three other ministers, who had self-quarantined after being in contact with
infected people, all tested negative and resumed work.
Chile suffered a surge in infections last week, prompting the government to
order the lockdown of Santiago.
The capital is the main focus of the pandemic in Chile, with 90 percent of
the country’s 74,000 cases.
Last week, the Senate was closed after three senators tested positive for
the coronavirus. Sessions were held by video conference.