In May, Coda Story reported on the unproven chemical devices that claimed to protect people from Covid-19. Bolivia’s interim president Jeanine Añez was one of the politicians around the world who wore one in public. She has now tested positive for the coronavirus. 

Añez is the second Latin American leader to test positive for coronavirus, following Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro last week. She is also one of many politicians around the world who have been spotted wearing a “virus blocker” badge – an unproven device that claims to “sanitize” the air around the wearer and protect them from Covid-19. 

“I have tested positive for Covid19, I am OK, I will work from home,” Añez tweeted on Friday. “Together, let's get ahead.”

Sold under various guises as a “virus shut out” or “air doctor” badge, Añez was seen wearing the device around her neck while attending the delivery of protective equipment back in May.