Mexican president tests negative for COVID-19 ahead of visit with Tump

Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador said Tuesday he tested negative for COVID-19 ahead of his planned visit to Washington this week.

López Obrador, who has engaged in public tours and public events since the start of the pandemic, had not previously been tested.

“I had no symptoms, that’s why I hadn’t taken the test,” López Obrador told reporters at his daily press conference.

“Now I took it because I’m going to travel and I have to act responsibly, be sure that I don’t have — fortunately — this virus,” he said.

López Obrador will fly commercial to Washington, including a layover, as direct flights between Washington and Mexico City are currently suspended due to the pandemic.

López Obrador’s visit to the U.S. capital will be his first international trip in more than 18 months in office.

The Mexican president added that, if needed, he will take a new test upon arrival in Washington.

“I have my certificate. Also, humbly, I don’t lose anything if over there because of health protocols I have to retake the test, I will do it,” said López Obrador.