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WASHINGTON — The commander of U.S. Southern Command has potentially been exposed to coronavirus during a visit by the Brazilian president, the second senior military leader to potentially be exposed to the illness.
Navy Adm. Craig Faller met with Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro during his visit March 8 to the SOUTHCOM headquarters building in Miami. A member of Bolsonaro’s delegation has tested positive for coronavirus, according to a statement Thursday by SOUTHCOM. The command has been working to contact every person who supported the visit.
As of Thursday afternoon, Faller “has not experienced symptoms and has not been tested,” according to the statement.
A major Brazilian newspaper, O Dia, reported Friday that Bolsonaro tested positive. However, the president posted on Twitter that he has tested negative, Business Insider reported. Bolsonaro’s communications chief has tested positive.
On Tuesday, the Army announced Lt. Gen. Christopher Cavoli, the commander of U.S. Army Europe, had potentially been exposed to coronavirus during a conference and was working from home while self-monitoring his health.
Kenney.Caitlin@stripes.com Twitter: @caitlinmkenney