Brazil’s president has consistently downplayed coronavirus and now that has caught up to him. Today, Jair Bolsonaro revealed that he has tested positive for COVID-19. This diagnosis came after he went to the doctor with a fever Monday. The Associated Press reports, “Bolsonaro confirmed the test results while wearing a mask and speaking to reporters in capital Brasilia. ‘I’m well, normal. I even want to take a walk around here, but I can’t due to medical recommendations,’ Bolsonaro said.”
As cases in his country have rapidly risen, Bolsanaro has faced growing criticism over his handling of the pandemic. The Washington Post writes:
Brazil has reported more than 1.6 million cases and 65,000 deaths — both believed to be undercounts — an escalating disaster that scientists and health officials say has been exacerbated by Bolsonaro’s frequent dismissal of it.
Bolsonaro, 65, has described covid-19 as a “little cold,” repeatedly waded into crowds of supporters, threatened to host a large barbecue to spite health measures, and as recently as last week attended a Fourth of July party at the U.S. Embassy in Brasilia without wearing a mask. A Brazilian court last month ordered Bolsonaro to wear a mask while in public.