Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro test positive for coronavirus

The test results were confirmed by Bolsonaro in Brasilia, while he was wearing a mask and speaking with reporters. He also mentioned that he is now taking hydroxychloroquine—a drug that has not been proven to effectively treat coronavirus.

This follows months of the president downplaying the seriousness of the virus.

The 65-year-old has previously stated that his athletic history would keep him safe from the virus and if he were to be infected, it would be a “little flu” for him.

"I'm well, normal. I even want to take a walk around here, but I can't due to medical recommendations," Bolsonaro noted. "I thought I had it before, given my very dynamic activity. I'm president and on the combat lines. I like to be in the middle of the people."

He has also continuously stated that about 70 percent of the population will contract the virus and there is no way to prevent it—adding that bringing the economy to a halt will end up causing more hardship than letting coronavirus run its course.

"You can't just talk about the consequences of the virus that you have to worry about. Life goes on. Brazil needs to produce. You need to get the economy in gear.” he said.

Bolsonaro has tested negative for the virus three times following his visit with President Donald Trump in Florida.

Over 1,500,000 Brazilians have been infected with the virus resulting in more than 65,000 deaths. The country has the second highest totals in the world.