President Hipolito Mejia suspended his activities yesterday afternoon to visit ear, nose and throat specialist Eduardo Mejía at the Centro de Otorinolaringología yesterday. He suspended his participation in the formal opening of the casino at the Santana Beach Resort, and at a meeting with La Vega authorities regarding the construction of the Manabao Dam in Jarabacoa. The President said he is suffering from a virus, which he named, "paquetazo gripal" in reference to his recently passed tax package and forthcoming social package to soften the effects of the new taxes on the lower brackets. The doctor recommended the President take the afternoon off, which he did, reportedly working from home. Press director, Luis Gonzalez Fabra said the President, who has described himself as a "workaholic," would be back on the job today.
