Brazilian minister tests positive in New York

September 22

A Brazilian Cabinet minister who accompanied President Jair Bolsonaro to the United Nations in New York has tested positive for the coronavirus.

Health Minister Marcelo Queiroga was a member of the presidential delegation that visited New York on Sunday. Bolsonaro departed on Tuesday, after delivering a speech at the General Assembly.

The Brazilian government said on Tuesday that Queiroga tested positive in New York.

He reportedly has no symptoms, but is self-isolating for 14 days at a hotel.

Queiroga was present when Bolsonaro met British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Monday.

On Sunday, he reportedly ate pizza on the street with Bolsonaro and other ministers.

Bolsonaro has come under fire in Brazil for traveling to the US without getting vaccinated.

The fact that the minister in charge of anti-coronavirus measures is now infected may provoke further criticism.

NHK