Queiroga was part of Jair Bolsonaro’s Presidential Committee, according to the statement, which added he was “doing well.” So far, other members of the Brazilian delegation have tested negative for the virus.
Queiroga told CNN affiliate CNN Brasil on Tuesday that he would quarantine in New York for 14 days, and wouldn’t leave the United States with other members of his delegation. Some delegation members have canceled their participation due to the risk of infecting members from other countries, Queiroga said.
Queiroga, a cardiologist, is Brazil’s fourth health minister since the coronavirus pandemic began. He was appointed earlier this year.
He had been vaccinated with the Chinese-made CoronaVac vaccine, the minister said last week. He did not say when he received the shot.
CNN Brasil was first to report on the minister’s condition ahead of the release of the presidential statement.
A spokesman for the UN secretary-general declined to comment, saying they had “a contact tracing protocol in place in case of cases arising” at the UN headquarters.
Earlier this week, Queiroga came under fire for responding to protesters in New York with an obscene gesture, according to CNN Brasil. Videos went viral on social media, showing the moment he appeared in the window of a minibus and gestured to protesters in front of the residence of the Brazilian Mission at the UN, CNN Brasil reported.
Still, more than 100 heads of state and government arrived in person for the event — with some of them unvaccinated.
Queiroga also shook hands with Johnson on Monday.
Shortly after the announcement that Queiroga had tested positive, Bolsonaro released a video on Twitter showing himself greeting and shaking hands with supporters in front of the hotel where he is staying, without wearing a mask.