Mexican President López Obrador tests positive for coronavirus

The big picture: The president has been criticized for his handling of the pandemic, which has claimed the lives of nearly 150,000 people and infected over 1.7 million in Mexico, per Johns Hopkins.

Worth noting: López Obrador has downplayed the wearing of masks. Last July, he told reporters: "You know when I'm going to put on a mask? When there is no corruption. Then I'll put on a mask and I’ll stop talking."

• He has also labeled lockdowns and face-mask mandates tactics of "dictatorship."

For the record: Mexico last month became the first Latin American country to begin coronavirus vaccinations.

• Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard tweeted hours before López Obrador's announcement that the Mexican leader would speak with Russian President Vladimir Putin by phone Monday to discuss acquiring doses of the Sputnik V COVID-19 vaccine — which was rolled out before phase 3 trials began.
• Efficacy results for this vaccine are expected next month.

Editor's note: This article has been updated with new details throughout.