Rotterdam mayor tests positive for Covid-19

Mayor Ahmed Aboutaleb of Rotterdam tested positive for Covid-19, the respiratory diseases caused by coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, the municipality of Rotterdam announced on Monday.

Aboutaleb has mild symptoms, a spokesperson for the municipality said to NOS. He is working from home and will self-isolate for seven days. 

Should it prove necessary, deputy mayor Bert Wijbenga will cover for Aboutaleb in Rotterdam affairs. Schiedam mayor Cor Lamers will take over Aboutaleb's duties within the local security region, Veiligheidsregio Rotterdam-Rijnmond.

Aboutaleb, 59, has been the city’s mayor since the beginning of 2009. The Labour politician previously served as an alderman in Amsterdam, and he was a State Secretary for Social Affairs under Prime Minister Jan Peter Balkenende which led up to his mayoral appointment.