EU's chairman tests COVID-19 negative, ends quarantine

By Rabia Iclal Turan

ANKARA (AA) - European Council President Charles Michel tested negative for the novel coronavirus for a second time this week, ending his self-quarantine to attend the postponed EU summit, his spokesman said on Friday.

"The President is no longer in quarantine and continues preparing the special European Council of October 1 and 2," Barend Leyts announced on Twitter.

The two-day EU Council meeting had been slated to start on Sept. 24 but was postponed to Oct. 1 after a security guard, which Michel had close contact with, tested positive for the coronavirus.

At the event, EU leaders will discuss topics ranging from Brexit to the Belarus crisis, as well as tensions in the Eastern Mediterranean.