The far-right leader tested positive for the virus on Wednesday (July 22) – some two weeks after his first test of the illness. An almost symbolic occurrence as Brazil’s coronavirus caseload continues to balloon as the second-highest in the world.

Bolsonaro, 65, repeatedly downplayed the severity of the pandemic pelting his own people, with many critics at home and abroad drubbing his coronavirus response as reckless.

He informed CNN Brasil he had tested positive again for COVID-19. Bolsonaro said he had been working in semi-isolation from his Brasília residence since July 7 and even strolls around the presidential palace grounds, flouting social distancing by talking to supporters even after testing positive.

Jair Bolsonaro said only ‘faires’ wear face masks. More than 810,000 have died in Brazil of coronavirus.
Earlier in the crisis, Bolsonaro reportedly mocked advice to wear a face masks – telling staff members who wore them that they were “coisa de viado” – a homophobic slur which means “for fairies”.

The unverified report would not be a particular surprise from Bolsonaro, a self-described “proud homophobe” who has made his career out of crude homophobic rhetoric and targeting minorities.