Mariya Gabriel, Europe’s commissioner for innovation, research, culture, education and youth, tested positive for the coronavirus, she announced on Twitter Saturday.
After a first negative #COVID19 test on Monday, my second one is positive. I have been in self-isolation since Monday and continue staying at home, following the established regulations. Keep yourself healthy and stay safe!
— Mariya Gabriel (@GabrielMariya) October 10, 2020
The Bulgarian politician had been in self-isolation since Monday after a member of her team tested positive for the virus. She tested negative on Monday, but said that a second test came back positive.
Gabriel is the first member of the von der Leyen Commission to confirm a positive coronavirus test, although several commissioners have undertaken periods of self-isolation amid concerns about infection, including Frans Timmermans, Valdis Dombrovskis and Stella Kyriakides.
Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also previously said she was self-isolating after coming into contact with someone who later tested positive. Von der Leyen wrote to Gabriel on Saturday: “I wish you a prompt recovery! Take good care of yourself.”
Dear @GabrielMariya, I wish you a prompt recovery! Take good care of yourself. https://t.co/oy11RAkzLq
— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) October 10, 2020
Gabriel said she continues “staying at home, following the established regulations.” She urged others: “Keep yourself healthy and stay safe!”