The Ministry of Justice reported on Tuesday (24) that Minister André Mendonça has coronavirus. With the diagnosis, he becomes the 13th cabinet member to contract Covid-19, in addition to President Jair Bolsonaro himself (without a party).
In a statement, the ministry said the minister was well and "will remain in isolation at home for the next few weeks."
According to people close to him, Mendonça decided to take the test after feeling pain in his body and after a member of the ministry confirmed his infection with the disease.
The last to be infected with the disease was the Minister of Health, Eduardo Pazuello. The general was diagnosed with Covid-19 on October 21, after reporting to aides that he had experienced fever and malaise.
In all, 13 of the 23 ministers of the current administration have contracted Covid-19, including all first-level auxiliaries based at Planalto Palace. The president himself was also infected, but he recovered without reporting any major symptoms.
Translated by Kiratiana Freelon