This archive report was first published on 7 July 2020.
On July 7, 2020, Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, 65, revealed that he had tested positive for the new coronavirus, a development that intensified the controversy surrounding his response to the pandemic.
Despite several of his aides contracting the virus in recent months, President Bolsonaro had often disregarded precautions such as wearing a mask and maintaining social distancing.
Just days before his diagnosis, he attended a luncheon hosted by the American ambassador in Brazil to celebrate the Fourth of July holiday, further raising concerns about his behavior during the pandemic.
As Brazilians awaited the results of the president's latest coronavirus test, social media reflected the country's deep polarization, with some expressing support for the president and others wishing him ill.
