President Paula-Mae Weekes has gone into self-quarantine after her aide-de-camp tested positive for COVID-19 over the weekend.
Based on established protocols and her high-profile position, sources say it is expected that she will be swabbed today for the virus.
Communications Adviser Cheryl Lala confirmed that the Ministry of Health is aware of the situation and the Office of the President will be guided by their recommendations. The office is expected to be sanitised soon and some staff are already operating from home as a precautionary measure.
“Her Excellency is dealing with the news in her usual forthright way. No panic. Observe all protocols. Follow the MOH advice,” Lala said during a brief telephone conversation. The President’s self-isolation period began immediately after receiving news that her close aide tested positive.
While CNC3 and Guardian Media have confirmed that the contact tracing process began immediately, the point of infection and the duration of the aide-de-camp's infection remain unclear.
This is important since the Office of the President hosted two high profile events in the last few weeks. The new Cabinet was sworn in on August 19th and the Opposition Leader received her instrument of appointment on August 25th.
The aide-de-camp acted as the moderator or master of ceremonies for both events.