President Jair Bolsonaro could have Covid-19, a disease he has belittled as a “little flu.” Plus, trends and numbers of Covid-19 in Brazil. And federal prosecutors move against Brazil’s Environment Minister.
With flu-like symptoms, Bolsonaro awaits Covid-19 test result
President Jair Bolsonaro, one of the world’s biggest Covid-19 deniers, could be infected with the coronavirus. He has reportedly felt discomfort since the weekend, and on Monday had a mild fever and lower-than-normal blood saturation. He went to the hospital to undergo an X-ray on his lungs — which he claims are “clean” — and took a coronavirus test, for which the results are expected around noon, Brasília time.
- In an official statement, the government said Mr. Bolsonaro “is in a good state and is staying home.”
- The president has reportedly begun taking hydroxychloroquine and azithromycin. He has touted the former as a “possible cure” for Covid-19, despite a lack of evidence to support the claim.
UPDATE: President Jair Bolsonaro confirmed he has tested positive for Covid-19. He told reporters he began feeling ill on Sunday and decided to go to the hospital on Monday after feeling flu symptoms — fever, body ache, and “indisposition.”
Contact tracing. On Saturday, Mr. Bolsonaro met...