Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro was fined $ 100 on Saturday for violating Covid-19 containment measures in Sao Paulo state by not wearing a face mask and provoking huge crowds at a motorcycle rally for supporters.
Thousands of roaring motorcycles took part in the “Speed for Christ” rally in Sao Paulo, led by the far-right president who wore an open helmet and no mask in violation of state health regulations.
Bolsonaro, who has held such rallies across Brazil as he prepares for re-election next year, defied a prior warning from Sao Paulo Governor Joao Doria, a political rival who had said the president would be fined proven if he did not comply with state regulations.
Bolsonaro has repeatedly argued with Doria and other governors over action against Covid-19, which has claimed nearly 485,000 lives in Brazil, second only to the US.
The president regularly criticizes stay-at-home measures and face masks, promoting drugs like chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine instead, despite studies showing they are ineffective against Covid-19.
Reaching out to a huge crowd of flag-waving supporters, Bolsonaro renewed his comments on face masks, saying he plans to lift mask requirements for people vaccinated against Covid-19.
“Those who oppose it do not believe in science. There is no way that a vaccinated person can transmit the virus,” he said.
In fact, there is still little scientific consensus on whether vaccinated people run the risk of spreading the coronavirus. Public health officials have generally urged them to continue wearing masks in risky situations.
State officials said they fined Bolsonaro, his son, Congressman Eduardo, and Infrastructure Minister Tarcisio Gomes for failing to wear masks and comply with social distancing measures at the rally.
Each was fined 552.71 reais, or about $ 108.
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