Bolsonaro, who has opposed lockdowns and social distancing despite his country having the second-deadliest coronavirus outbreak, said in a speech that quarantines should be only for infected people.

"They are useful for people who are infected," he said, adding: "Quarantines are for those who are infected."

Health Minister Marcelo Queiroga said Bolsonaro has asked him for a study on the use of masks in Brazil.

The minister, however, testified this week before a Senate commission of inquiry that masks should be used to prevent transmission. He also contradicted Bolsonaro on the use of hydroxychloroquine, saying there was no evidence the anti-malaria drug is effective in treating COVID-19 patients.

On a weekly webcast to his supporters, Bolsonaro defended the use of chloroquine and said it had helped reduce COVID-19 deaths in Brazil, which he maintained have been over-reported by including fatalities caused by other illnesses.

More than 480,000 Brazilians have died from COVID-19, the second worst death toll outside of the United States.

Meanwhile, Brazil's vaccination program has been slow to get off the ground and the Senate inquiry is investigating whether Bolsonaro, a vaccine skeptic, deliberately delayed securing timely supplies.

Only 23.6% of Brazil's population has received a first dose and just 10.2% have been fully vaccinated with two doses, according to health ministry data.