File photo of Brazil’s President Jair Bolsonaro.

File photo of Brazil’s President Jair Bolsonaro.
  | Photo Credit:
Reuters


Bolsonaro said he is feeling “perfectly well” and had only mild symptoms.

Brazil’s President Jair Bolsonaro says he has tested positive for COVID-19 after months of downplaying the virus’ severity.

Mr. Bolsonaro confirmed the test results while wearing a mask and speaking to reporters in capital Brasilia.

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“I’m well, normal. I even want to take a walk around here, but I can’t due to medical recommendations,” Mr. Bolsonaro said.

The President has often appeared in public to shake hands with supporters and mingle with crowds, at times without a mask. He has said that his history as an athlete would protect him from the virus, and that it would be nothing more than a “little flu” were he to contract it.

Cities and states last month began lifting restrictions that had been imposed to control the spread of the virus, as