Syrian President Assad and wife have virus

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and his wife Asma have tested positive for the coronavirus but are in good health, according to a statement from the presidency.

They did a PCR test after experiencing "mild symptoms".

"They are in good health and stable condition and will continue their work during their home quarantine, which will last two or three weeks," the statement said.

Syria has so far officially recorded 15,900 coronavirus cases and 1063 deaths.

Syria has been in crisis since peaceful pro-democracy protests in March 2011 evolved into a full-blown war, drawing foreign fighters and powers.

There has been no major health issues recently reported about al-Assad.

In August, the 55-year-old trained ophthalmologist stopped his address "for few minutes" to parliament due to a slight drop in blood pressure and resumed it shortly after.

In 2018, Asma underwent treatment for breast cancer, which the presidency said had been detected early.

A year later, she said she fully recovered.