Brazil President Jair Bolsonaro Tests Positive for COVID-19

Brasilia, July 08: Brazil president Jair Bolsonaro on Tuesday who previously appeared in public and at rallies without a mask announced that he has tested positive for novel coronavirus after being tested for the fourth time. Bolsonaro’s prior tests were conducted using pseudonyms, as is customary for medical tests performed on Brazilian leaders to preserve their privacy.

 

 

“I’m perfectly well, normal. I even want to take a walk around here, but I can’t due to medical recommendationS,” Bolsonaro said while wearing a mask and speaking to reporters in capital Brasilia. He stepped back from the journalists and removed his mask at one point to show that he looks well.

 

 

Bolsonaro said that he had developed a 100.4-degree fever on Monday. Following that he went to the Air Forces Hospital in Brasilia where he had undergone a lung scan, which had shown them to be "clean" and he would be tested for COVID-19. However, he is being treated with hydroxychloroquine, an anti-malaria medicine.

 

Last week, Bolsonaro was seen couching during a broadcast on his social media. Shockingly he sat next to six other people, none of whom wore a mask. Meanwhile, Bolsonaro fell ill days after he attended the Fourth of July celebration with the U.S. ambassador to Brazil at his residence. The ambassador and his wife have since tested negative for the virus, but will remain at home, in quarantine, the embassy said.

 

Earlier during his campaign to reopen the economy, Bolsonaro describes the novel coronavirus as Little Virus which has infected more than millions of people. "With my history as an athlete, if I were infected with the virus, I would have no reason to worry. I would feel nothing, or it would be at most just the little flu," he had said.

 

The Brazilian president also appeared in public without wearing a mask, shaking hands with supporters, and mingling with crowds. Notably, brazil is the second of the most worst-hit country. It has emerged as the new hotspot for the virus. More than 65,000 people have died of the virus in Brazil. Bolsonaro tested negative three times in March after meeting with the US President Donald Trump in Florida.

 

On the other hand, PM Narendra Modi wishes him for speedy recovery saying My friend President Jairvbolsonar my prayers and best wishes for your speedy recovery.

 

 

Bolsonaro is now the second world leader who tested for COVID -19. Earlier UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson was the first leader who was diagnosed with the virus.