Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro affirmed on Tuesday July 7 that he tested positive for COVID-19. The information was confirmed by the Special Secretary of Social Communication.
“The result of the test of COVID-19 done by the President Jair Bolsonaro on the night of Monday July 7 presented a positive diagnosis. The president remains in good health and at this moment he is in the Alvorada Palace,” said the government in a note.
Bolsonaro had already told his followers on Monday July 6, that he had symptoms such as a fever of 38 degrees and pain in his body. He has reported to be feeling well and with “clean lungs.”
Brazil is currently second in the world with over 1,623,000 confirmed cases and 65,487 deaths as of July 7. Bolsonaro’s response to coronavirus has been harshly criticized both within Brazil and by leaders and movements across the world. He has consistently denied the gravity of the situation, writing the disease off as a “little cold” and standing firmly against all quarantine and lockdown measures. He has even attended rallies organized by the far-right without taking any public health precautions like maintaining distance and wearing a mask.
Bolsonaro’s stance of denial has intensified existing conflicts between the branches of power in Brazil and today he faces over 30 requests for impeachment.
Stay tuned for further updates.
To learn more on Bolsonaro’s inadequate response to COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil check out out our interview with Jessy Dayane of Levante Popular da Juventude and Frente Brasil Popular.
