Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen negative for coronavirus after scare at residence
- A worker at Tsai’s residence was confirmed infected on Wednesday
- Taiwan has reported a surge of infections over the past two weeks, with 1,572 cases
Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen has tested negative for Covid-19 after a worker at her residence was confirmed to be infected, her spokesman said on Thursday, as the island reported 286 new domestic cases amid a spike in infections.
Having for months been held up as an example of how to stop the virus in its tracks, Taiwan has over the past two weeks reported a spiralling number of infections in the community, with 1,572 cases.
Presidential office spokesman Xavier Chang said a person who helped look after dogs at Tsai’s residence was confirmed infected on Wednesday. Tsai and 24 of her staff were immediately tested but found to be negative.
“The president is healthy and safe, please rest assured,” Chang added, saying her residence was being disinfected.
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Tsai is an animal-lover, and her pets include three retired guide dogs for the blind.