Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro tested positive for the first time a week ago.
Brasilia:
Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has again tested positive for the coronavirus, CNN Brazil said Wednesday, citing the far-right leader, who re-tested on Tuesday.
Bolsonaro, who at 65 is part of a high-risk group, said he would remain quarantined at his official residence in Brasilia from where he would continue to work by videoconference.
The far-right president, who has caused enormous controversy in Brazil for repeatedly flouting the lock-in measures in place to curb the spread of the virus, was tested positive for the first time a week ago.
He admitted by telephone interview with CNN on Monday that he “cannot stand the routine of staying at home” and said he was “impatiently” waiting to be given the green light to leave the house.
He told the TV station that he had had no symptoms such as fever or breathing difficulties since July 6.
And he added that he continues to take hydroxychloroquine, an antimalarial drug.
The drug has been used as a treatment for COVID-19 in many countries – but its effectiveness has not been officially proven and the problem deeply divides the world scientific community.
He must pass a new test “in the coming days”.
Since his diagnosis on July 7, Bolsonaro has been confined to the presidential palace alongside other people who have already contracted the virus.
It is far from his daily routine which includes leaving the residence to greet his supporters, often by ignoring social distancing measures and without wearing a face mask.
In addition to participating in video calls, Bolsonaro was seen feeding the rhea – a species of bird native to South America related to the ostrich and the emu – in the gardens of the official residence. We even pecked it.
Brazil is the second most affected country in the world by coronavirus after the United States, with more than 74,000 deaths and 1.9 million cases.
(With the exception of the title, this story was not edited by GalacticGaming staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
