The Government confirmed on Thursday (12) that Brazil’s Secretary of Communications, Fabio Wajngarten, tested positive for the novel coronavirus and said that the medical service at the Planalto Palace is "taking all necessary preventive measures to preserve the health" of the president Jair Bolsonaro.
The ministers and advisers who traveled with Bolsonaro are already being monitored, in addition to the president himself. So far, however, the symptoms of the disease have not been identified.
In a statement, the government also said it has warned US officials about the case. During the trip, the secretary stood close to and posed for pictures with President Donald Trump.
"The Secretary of Communication is fulfilling all medical recommendations, is in home quarantine, and will only return to his work when there is no risk of transmission of the disease”, the note said.
President Donald Trump said on Thursday (12) that he is not concerned about the coronavirus case in President Jair Bolsonaro's entourage, who traveled to the U.S. this weekend.
The statement came during a conversation with journalists at the White House and it is not yet known whether Trump has ever tested or will test for the disease.
On Wednesday (11), after the news publication that Wajngarten was being monitored, he spoke on Twitter. "In spite of the fact that the rotten press band has already spoken absurdly about my religion, my family and my company, now they talk about my health. But I'm fine, I won't need hugs from Drauzio Varella [recognized Brazilian doctor]", he said on the social media.
Translated by Kiratiana Freelon