This archive report was first published on 18 May 2020.
South Sudan's First Vice President Riek Machar and his wife Angelina Teny have become the latest high-profile individuals to contract COVID-19, with the couple testing positive for the disease on May 18, 2020.
According to reports, the couple underwent testing as part of the High Level Taskforce's efforts to contain the spread of the virus. The results were declared on Monday, May 18, 2020, after a number of other previous members of the Taskforce also tested positive.
Interestingly, Dr. Machar had previously tested negative for the disease on April 27, 2020, but a subsequent test was conducted on all members of the Taskforce after one of their members tested positive.
Dr. Machar has since issued a public statement confirming his positive test result and has announced that he will be self-quarantining at his residence for the next 14 days, along with the rest of his household who have also tested positive.
Fortunately, Dr. Machar is reportedly healthy with no symptoms and has been confirmed by a doctor. He has encouraged the public to conduct testing and know their personal status.
