US military commander tests negative for coronavirus after meeting with Brazilians

The head of U.S. military forces in Central and South America has tested negative for coronavirus after meeting with Brazilian officials who later tested positive for the virus, U.S. Southern Command (Southcom) said Tuesday.

Adm. Craig Faller, commander of Southcom, and others in his command met with Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro’s delegation at the command headquarters in Florida on March 8. Members of the Brazilian delegation, including Bolsonaro’s communications secretary, later tested positive for COVID-19.

“To date, U.S. Southern Command has had no confirmed cases of COVID-19, and results for all personnel tested are negative, to include Adm. Craig Faller, Southcom commander,” Southcom said a news release Tuesday.

Southcom is not releasing the identities of the others who were tested because of privacy concerns, it added.

“We are taking this national emergency seriously,” Southcom said. “The health and welfare of our men and women is our top priority. The command has contacted, and is closely monitoring, all personnel who supported the Brazilian delegation’s visit to the headquarters Sunday, March 8. We are following the Centers for Disease Control guidelines and remain vigilant.”

Bolsonaro’s trip to Florida also took him and his delegation to President Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort for a summit with Trump. Bolsonaro said last week he tested negative for the virus.

After being repeatedly pressed by reporters on why he wasn’t getting tested or self-quarantining despite taking a photo with the Brazilian press aide who tested positive, Trump said Saturday he took the test.

Later Saturday, the White House physician said in a statement Trump tested negative.

On Monday, Vice President Pence said he has not been tested, citing guidance from a White House physician. Pence was also in the photograph with Trump and the Brazilian official.