Governor of Mato Grosso tests positive for coronavirus.
After being diagnosed with Covid-19, the governor of Mato Grosso, Mauro Mendes (DEM), appealed to the population of his state to adopt quarantine measures. "We will have to adopt, like all citizens, the distancing and isolation protocol to prevent a continuation of the transmission chain," he said.
By Andreia Verdélio – Reporter for Agência Brasil - Brasília
The governor of Mato Grosso, Mauro Mendes, announced this Thursday (4) that he tested positive for covid-19. The result of the test came out this Wednesday (3), when the counter-proof was also carried out which confirmed the infection by the new coronavirus.
In a video posted on social media, Mendes said he is well, asymptomatic, and will be working from home for the next few days. "We will have to adopt, like every citizen, the distancing and isolation protocol to prevent a continuation of the transmission chain," he said.
First Lady Virginia Mendes has also been tested and her result was negative, as were those of her children. They will all remain in isolation.
The secretaries and advisors who had contact with the governor will undergo tests. The state government reported that the tests have already begun. They continue to perform their duties, however, with reduced service in their offices, until the test results are released. Professionals who are in the at-risk group have already started working remotely.
Mauro Mendes thanked the healthcare professionals for their work and reiterated that the government will continue to take all necessary measures against COVID-19. The governor also asked the population to adopt the use of masks, hygiene measures, and social distancing.
“I want to ask the people of Mato Grosso to continue taking great care; the disease is serious. If you can, stay home; if you have to go out to work, do so with the highest level of safety possible,” said Mendes, highlighting that most of the state's economic activities are operating.
According to the Health Department, Mato Grosso had registered, as of yesterday afternoon, 3.029 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 79 deaths due to the disease.