Italy's former PM tests positive for coronavirus
Former Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi tested positive for coronavirus on Wednesday (September 2), and is currently in isolation at home, according to his staff.
Despite his infection, the 83-year-old media tycoon vows to quote "carry on fighting" and says he will still support candidates from his opposition center-right party Forza Italia in local elections in September.
Berlusconi's physician told an Italian news agency that the former premier had no symptoms.
He decided to get tested for COVID-19 after a recent vacation in Sardinia, which saw a drastic jump in infections in August, as more domestic travelers visit the beaches on the island.
Berlusconi, who served as prime minister of Italy for four times, received well wishes from across the political spectrum.
Among them is Luigi Di Maio, foreign minister and former leader of the anti-establishment party, 5-Star Movement, who campaigned fiercely against Berlusconi.
Italy has had one of Europe's worst coronavirus outbreaks, recording over 270,000 infections and more than 35,000 deaths.
Although the country managed to contain the contagion after it peaked in March and April, it once again reported an increase in cases in August.
