Brazil's Bolsonaro Says He Won't Take the Coronavirus Vaccine

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro said on Thursday that he will not take a coronavirus vaccine should one become available.

During a press briefing broadcast live over multiple social media platforms, Bolsonaro said that he has already decided to refuse a future coronavirus vaccine.

“I’m telling you, I’m not going to take it. It’s my right,” he said.

The right-wing leader has repeatedly stated that Brazilians will not be required to be vaccinated once a Chinese coronavirus vaccine becomes widely available. Bolsonaro reiterated this at Thursday’s briefing, saying that Brazil’s Congress was unlikely to require Brazilians to take a future coronavirus vaccine.

“The [Brazilian] president also expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of the use of masks during the live broadcast, implying that there was little conclusive evidence of its success in curbing the transmission of the virus,” according to South American news site Infobae.

Bolsonaro has tested positive for the Chinese coronavirus at least two times. After contracting the virus for the first time on July 7, Bolsonaro said he initially suffered from a low-grade fever and mild symptoms. Announcing his positive diagnosis at a press conference held outside on the grounds of Brazil’s presidential palace, Bolsonaro stepped back and removed his mask to demonstrate to the public that he was “absolutely fine” despite the mild symptoms.

He subsequently entered a period of semi-isolation for nearly 20 days while recovering from the virus. During this period, the leader continued to venture out on the grounds of the p... (Read more)

Tweets mentioned:

https://twitter.com/jornaldarecord/status/1320869886831267842

https://twitter.com/jairbolsonaro/status/1332082552774021122

https://twitter.com/jairbolsonaro/status/1286994557440348160

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