Close ally tests positive for COVID-19

Cabello, a close political ally of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, has tested positive for COVID-19, the official said on Thursday.

“I have tested positive for COVID-19, since that time I have isolated and following the advised treatment,” Cabello, the leader of the Venezuelan socialist party and Maduro’s right hand man, tweeted.

Zulia state Governor Omar Prieto also tested positive for the disease, Maduro confirmed on Thursday calling the state leader “a warrior.”

Venezuela has confirmed 8,010 novel coronavirus infections and 75 deaths, but the real figure is believed to be considerably higher.

“The virus exists, it can reach anyone, you have to take care of yourself. Let’s take care of ourselves,” Maduro said in a televised statement, warning that the disease “is not a game.