Brazil hits 80,000 deaths as more leaders test positive for COVID-19

Enlarge / Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro gives the thumbs up to supporters from the Alvorada Palace in Brasilia, on July 20, 2020, amid the new coronavirus pandemic. (Photo by EVARISTO SA / AFP) (Photo by EVARISTO SA/AFP via Getty Images) (credit: Getty | EVARISTO SA)

Two more high-ranking government officials in Brazil have tested positive for COVID-19 as the country's epidemic exceeded the grim milestone of 80,000 deaths-a toll second only to deaths in the US.

Earlier this month, Brazil President Jair Bolsonaro announced he had tested positive for the novel coronavirus. Bolsonaro has consistently downplayed the threat of COVID-19, referring to it as a little flu" and urging local leaders to lift restrictions aimed at reducing spread of the disease. Prior to testing positive, Bolsonaro had been seen in public appearances amid crowds of people, sometimes shaking hands and not wearing a mask.

Now, Citizenship Minister Onyx Lorenzoni, a close ally of Bolsonaro, and Education Minister Milton Ribeiro each announced on social media that they have also tested positive. Brazil's national security adviser, Augusto Heleno, and the minister of mines and energy, Bento Albuquerque, had previously reported testing positive, according to NPR.

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