Bolsonaro, others shun masks at July 4 celebration in Brazil

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro attended a U.S. Independence Day celebration in Brazil's capital Saturday at which participants declined to wear face masks, one day after he vetoed obligatory use of masks in private settings.

Bolsonaro shared photos on social media of himself, four Cabinet ministers, or top aides and U.S. Ambassador Todd Chapman, ne of whom were wearing masks despite being in close quarters.

Health experts recommend social distancing and wearing masks to reduce spread of new coronavirus. Bolsonaro on Friday vetoed clauses of new legislation that would have required Brazilians to wear masks at churches, schools, shops, factories and private garings, but approved ir obligatory use on street and public transport.

An outspoken admirer of U.S. President Donald Trump, Bolsonaro has made tighter relations with U.S. cornerstone of his foreign policy since assuming office Jan. 1, 2019. He attended U.S. Embassy’s Fourth of July celebration last year, breaking with custom of Brazilian presidents avoiding visits to foreign embassies in capital, Brasilia.

On Twitter, Bolsonaro sent his well-wishes on U.S. holiday: “I also want to greet my friend @realDonaldTrump for courous speech he delivered yesterday. Those were words of a great statesman. May legacy and values of Founders of this great nation endure and be kept from evil intentions of radicals.”

Bolsonaro’s downplaying of coronavirus outbreak and his rejection of local restrictions to curb spreading virus became part of a heated, politicized debate. He took part in street demonstrations after federal Health Ministry issued recommendations for social distancing and also repeatedly appeared in public without a mask.

Brazil, world's sixth most populous nation, with more than 210 million people, is one of global hot spots of pandemic. re have been more than 1.5 million confirmed cases and 64,265 deaths, according to Health Ministry data. Both are thought to be undercounts due to insufficient testing.

In light of pandemic, U.S. Embassy canceled its customary July 4th celebration in Brasilia this year and instead broadcast a ceremony online. In response to a request for comment about why Bolsonaro, ambassador and ors weren’t wearing masks, embassy said in an emailed statement that meeting was private.

Bolsonaro’s visit with Trump at Mar-a-Lago in March set off alarm bells once multiple members of Brazilian delegation were diagsed with coronavirus infections, including one who was photographed alongside Trump.