BRASILIA, Brazil — Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro said Saturday that he had tested negative for the new coronavirus, based on a fourth test since he said July 7 that he had the virus. He later went for a ride on a motorcycle, mingling with wellwishers as he has often done since the beginning of the pandemic.
“Good morning everyone,” Bolsonaro wrote on Facebook after reporting that the test was “negative.”
The 65-year-old leader, who for months had downplayed COVID-19 and flouted social distancing recommendations, didn’t say when he did the new test. On Wednesday, he had tested positive for the third time.
Bolsonaro also posted a photo of himself with a box of the anti-malaria drug hydroxychloroquine, although it has not been proven effective against the virus.
Shortly after disclosing the negative result, Bolsonaro left the presidential residence on a motorcycle. Accompanied by security guards, he went to a motorcycle shop. On the way out, he took pictures with people nearby, removed his mask and put on his helmet.
Bolsonaro stopped at a gas station to refuel. He also visited federal deputy Bia Kicis, who published a photo in which she, the president and others appear without wearing masks.
Upon returning to the Alvorada Palace, his official residence, Bolsonaro greeted motorcyclists and gathered with them to take photos.
Bolsonaro had spent many weekends since the beginning of the pandemic in close proximity to supporters, sometimes without wearing a mask. After being diagnosed with the new coronavirus, he said he had experienced fever, aches and malaise, but continued to work, holding video meetings with officials and aides.
With the negative result of his test, Bolsonaro also intends to resume his travel schedule. Next Thursday, he is scheduled to go to Bahia, a state in northeastern Brazil, for an official ceremony.