Brazil is still the second hardest-hit country in the world and the current administration has been receiving criticism from both local and global health experts, especially with President Jair Bolsonaro shunning the importance of face masks in public.
Bolsonaro Wears Face Mask During Hospital Visit
Following increased criticism from around the world, Bolsonaro on Monday was spotted wearing a face mask after he went to the hospital for COVID-19 testing and lung screening.
Bolsonaro told reporters that after the screening, it was revealed his "lung is clean." He added that regarding his coronavirus exam, "everything is okay."
The Brazilian leader went on to warn people not to get too close to him. "You can't get very close (to me), Okay? Recommendation for everyone." His comments marked the first time Bolsonaro appeared to practice social distancing.
Before his latest appearance, Bolsonaro had been discouraging local governors from implementing strict social distancing and movement control measures. He also called COVID-19 a "little flu."
When asked whether the rumors about Bolsonaro having a fever, presidential spokesperson Cintia Macedo said the office could not confirm the reports at the moment.
Bolsonaro Reportedly Showed COVID-19 Symptoms
Reports emerged on Monday, suggesting that Bolsonaro experienced a light fever. The Brazilian president reportedly started taking hydroxychloroquine and a statement from the presidential office said he was in good health condition.
Last week, Bolsonaro was seen coughing while he did a broadcast on his social media channels. In videos from the broadcast, he was seen sitting to six other people who were not wearing any sort of face covering.
Since his broadcast on Thursday, Bolsonaro has been spending time with people both within his administration and others. During the weekend, he had a July 4th commemoration lunch event with the U.S. ambassador to Brazil.
Masks Still Not a Priority for Many Brazilians
While Brazil remains the second hardest-hit country in the world with over 1.6 million confirmed COVID-19 infections and over 60,000 deaths, many Brazilians still do not follow mask-wearing guidelines by global health groups.
In photos published online over the past few weeks, citizens can be seen strolling in packed streets and many of the crowds are seen without face coverings.
Furthermore, Bolsonaro has been spotted joining several public protests without a mask on, seemingly encouraging the thought that masks should not be mandatory in public settings.
Mask-Wearing Watered Down Despite Spiking Cases
Last week, Bolsonaro watered down a law that required people in his country to wear face masks or some sort of face covering when out in public. His move came as Brazil passed 1.6 million cases.
Bolsonaro diluted the law using his veto power, stating that an article under the law was unconstitutional. The article in question mandated citizens to wear face masks in various closed spaces and public settings including churches and schools.
As of Tuesday, Brazil has recorded a total of 1,626,071 confirmed coronavirus cases and 65,556 deaths from the fast-spreading disease.
