“The request for a postponement has to do with health reasons, since the Head of Government and his wife, Dr. Isabel Ferreira, are positive with the SARS-CoV-2 virus,” said a government statement issued immediately after Ruak tested positive.

According to the statement, “both the Chief Executive and his wife are in good health” and following medical advice to remain at home and rest.

Ruak has already requested Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Adaljiza Albertina Xavier Reis Magno, to communicate the trip delay, which will be “rescheduled in a timely manner.”

With Timor-Leste starting its third COVID-19 wave, health authorities announced a new push on Wednesday to get people vaccinated.

Health officials report that that in the last 24 hours there have been 247 new cases, the highest daily number since September last year, bringing total active cases nationwide to 8376.

Since Tuesday, authorities conducted 1,135 tests, with a positivity rate of 21.76%, with 17 people hospitalised.

Over 71% of adults in Timor-Leste are double vaccinated against COVID-19.

This is the second time during the pandemic that Ruak has tested positive for COVID-19  – the first was in August 2021.

The Prime Minister has already received three doses of the vaccine.