After Minor Surgery, Supreme Court Chief Hospitalized with Suspected Covid-19

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – Federal Supreme Court (STF) Presiding Justice José Antonio Dias Toffoli, 53, has been hospitalized, suspected of being infected with coronavirus. According to Marco Polo Dias Freitas, the STF Secretary of Health, the justice was hospitalized on Saturday, May 23rd, to drain a small abscess.

“The surgery went well and, that same evening, the justice showed respiratory symptoms that suggested infection by the novel coronavirus, and he should remain hospitalized for follow-up. At the moment, the justice is well and breathing normally, without the assistance of devices”, states the note.

According to the STF Health Secretary, last Wednesday, May 20th, the justice tested negative for the novel coronavirus.

As there is no confirmation that the justice has contracted the coronavirus, he will initially be on medical leave for seven days, which may be extended depending on the test results. During this time, Justice Luiz Fux will preside over the STF.

Source: R7