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President Bolsonaro of Brazil Tests Positive for Coronavirus President Bolsonaro of Brazil Tests Positive for Coronavirus
(32 minutes later)
RIO DE JANEIRO — President Jair Bolsonaro disclosed Tuesday that he has the new coronavirus, a development that turbocharged the debate over his cavalier handling of a pandemic that has killed more than 65,000 Brazilians. RIO DE JANEIRO — President Jair Bolsonaro disclosed Tuesday that he has the coronavirus, a development that turbocharged the debate over his cavalier handling of a pandemic that has killed more than 65,000 Brazilians.
Mr. Bolsonaro, 65, took a test Monday night after experiencing symptoms of Covid-19, including a fever.Mr. Bolsonaro, 65, took a test Monday night after experiencing symptoms of Covid-19, including a fever.
Even as several of Mr. Bolsonaro’s aides have tested positive for the virus in recent months, the president has often eschewed precautions such as wearing a mask and practicing social distancing. Most recently, he attended a luncheon hosted on Saturday by the American ambassador in Brazil to celebrate the Fourth of July holiday. Speaking to journalists outside the palace shortly after noon on Tuesday, the president said he took a test after experiencing fatigue, muscle pain and a fever.
Mr. Bolsonaro said he was feeling well, which he credited to having taken hydroxychloroquine, an anti-malaria drug that studies show does not ward off the virus.
“I’m fine, I’m very well,” Mr. Bolsonaro said, standing a few feet away from journalist and taking off his mask so reporters could see his face. “Thank you to all those who prayed for me, cheered for me. Those who have criticized, no problem, you can continue to criticize at will.”
The president said the demands of the job have put him at risk.
“I am the president, I have to be on the front lines of the fight,” he said. He compared the virus to “rain, which is going to get to you.”
Even as several of Mr. Bolsonaro’s aides have tested positive for the virus in recent months, the president has often eschewed precautions such as wearing a mask and practicing social distancing. Most recently, he attended a luncheon hosted on Saturday by the American ambassador in Brazil to celebrate the Fourth of July holiday. In photos, participants are seen standing shoulder to shoulder or embracing, without wearing masks.
Mr. Bolsonaro has repeatedly downplayed the seriousness of the pandemic and opposed measures to stem its spread, while also endorsing an unproven treatment. At one point he dismissed it as “a measly cold,” and when asked in late April about the death toll, he replied: “So what? Sorry, but what do you want me to do?”
As Brazilians awaited the results of the president’s latest coronavirus test, messages posted on social media illustrated how polarized the country had become. Two trending hashtags on Twitter Tuesday morning were #ForçaBolsonaro and #ForçaCorona, the first sending the president strength and the other effectively expressing hope that the president falls ill.As Brazilians awaited the results of the president’s latest coronavirus test, messages posted on social media illustrated how polarized the country had become. Two trending hashtags on Twitter Tuesday morning were #ForçaBolsonaro and #ForçaCorona, the first sending the president strength and the other effectively expressing hope that the president falls ill.