This archive report was first published on 24 June 2020.
On June 22, 2020, a federal judge in Brasilia, Renato Borelli, issued a decision ordering Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro to wear a face mask in public or face a fine of up to $386 per day.
The order applies not only to Bolsonaro but also to all government employees in the Federal District, where the capital Brasilia is located.
According to a CNN report, Bolsonaro's office referred to the Attorney General, who stated that the office was 'studying all the appropriate measures to reverse the injunction.'
The Federal District government had issued a decree on April 30, 2020, making the use of face masks in public spaces mandatory to curb the spread of the coronavirus.
However, Bolsonaro has since appeared in public at several events without wearing a mask, including at rallies with supporters.
As reported by CNN, Sao Paulo governor Joao Doria expressed his concern, stating, 'With the example of the president of Brazil, everything is more difficult for us.'
So far, more than 1.1 million cases and more than 51,000 deaths have been confirmed by Brazilian health authorities, and the crisis shows no sign of abating.
