GEORGETOWN, Guyana – President Dr. irfaan Ali on Wednesday said that his newly appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hugh Todd, has tested positive for the coronavirus (COVID-19).
“This pandemic has no barriers and as such we have to continue to take the necessary precautions,” President Ali said in a briefing released on the Office of the President’s Facebook, adding that Todd is now in isolation and has been asked to inform all persons who he came into contact with so as to facilitate contact tracing and testing.
“I have advised Ministers to work remotely until they receive the results of their tests. I have made a commitment to conduct the affairs of government transparently and there is no greater issue that requires transparency at every level than in the way we address the COVID-19 pandemic”, President Ali said.
The authorities said that the Ministry of Public Health has now embarked on a massive contact tracing campaign relating to Todd and that all ministers have been instructed to work remotely until they receive the results of their COVID-19 test.
Todd was sworn in as the Minister on August 5 and has since met with President Ali and other members of the newly installed People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) government.
Last Sunday, he held a joint press conference with the visiting Foreign Minister of Suriname Albert Ramdin and other officials of the Surinamese delegation that visited Guyana for the inauguration ceremony of President Ali.
Ali urged all Guyanese to ensure they continue to protect themselves from the virus which has already killed more than 20 persons here and infected over 600.
“Wear your mask especially when out in public places and adhere to social distancing… this is a time when all of us must come together, must work together to ensure the country and citizens remain safe,” the President added.
CMC
