Download the all-new Republic app:

Published 04:40 IST, March 13th 2020

Trump won't be tested for Coronavirus despite meeting infected Bolsonaro aide: White House

White House has said that neither Trump nor Pence will be tested for Coronavirus despite coming into contact with a Brazilian aide who later tested positive

Reported by: Sounak Mitra
Follow: Google News Icon
  • share
null | Image: self
Advertisement

The White House Press Secretary on Thursday has said that neither POTUS Donald Trump nor Vice President Mike Pence will be tested for Coronavirus despite coming into contact with a Brazilian aide who later tested positive for the disease just days after their meeting, as there was 'no need' to do so. She also added that neither Trump, nor Pence, would follow any self-quarantine protocols. 

As per international news reports, Brazilian officials said on March 12 that a government official who attended an official meeting at Donald Trump's resort in Florida on Saturday and posted a photo of himself standing next to the United States president had later tested positive for COVID-19.

Advertisement

Fabio Wajngarten, Communication Secretary of Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, posted a photo on his Instagram handle where he's standing next to Trump wearing a "Make Brazil great again" cap. Videos from the meeting also show him standing next to US President Trump.

READ: Trump Recalls Recent Visit To India, Claims 'Namaste' Easier Than Shaking Hands

Advertisement

READ: Scientists In Israel Likely To Announce They've Developed Coronavirus Vaccine: Report

Wajngarten initially denied having COVID-19

Wajngarten initially denied a report on Wednesday that he had been tested for the virus. He even took to his Twitter account to call out the Brazilian media and said that his health was fine.

Advertisement

As per Brazilian media reports, Wajngarten's condition came to light after it was first revealed by his wife Sophie on a WhatsApp group of parents at the school their children attend. Brazil's Health Minister Luiz Henrique Mandetta has said that Bolsonaro would be closely monitored if Wajngarten tested positively. 

Trump says he is not concerned

Trump has reportedly said that he was not at all concerned about being exposed to Coronavirus after the reports confirmed the Bolsonaro aide has contracted the disease. On Wednesday, the White House confirmed that Trump had not been tested for the virus. The White House added on Thursday that Trump and Pence had "almost no interactions" with Wajngarten and said that there was no need for the US leaders to be tested at this time. 

Advertisement

READ: IATA Urges 'emergency Measures' For Airlines After US Travel Ban

READ: India Records First Novel Coronavirus Death As Deceased Kalaburagi Man Tests Positive

(With Agency Inputs)

04:40 IST, March 13th 2020