This archive report was first published on 20 June 2020.
Brazil's COVID-19 Crisis Deepens ¶
As of June 20, 2020, Brazil has reported a record 54,771 new COVID-19 cases, bringing the nationwide total to 1,032,913, surpassing the 1 million mark.
The COVID-19 pandemic is rapidly spreading across the country, with major cities lifting social distancing measures and reopening non-essential businesses.
Experts warn that the number of cases could surpass the United States, making Brazil the country worst hit by the virus.
Bolsonaro's False Sense of Immunity ¶
President Jair Bolsonaro has consistently downplayed the threat of COVID-19, questioning global medical authorities and accusing opponents of trying to discredit his leadership.
At first, Brazil seemed impervious to the virus, but cases quickly spread across the country, with the first confirmed case reported on February 26, 2020.
Bolsonaro compared the virus to a 'little flu' and falsely implied that Brazilians were immune to the virus, stating, 'Brazilians don't catch anything … they already have the antibodies to keep it from spreading.'
Bolsonaro vs. Social Distancing ¶
Despite warnings from health experts, Bolsonaro believed that social distancing and quarantine measures would cause more harm than the virus itself, leading to a crippling recession.
He frequently butted heads with mayors and governors of hard-hit areas and ultimately fired Health Minister Luiz Henrique Mandetta on April 16, 2020, after he expressed support for shutting down businesses and schools.
Military in the Health Ministry ¶
Health Minister Mandetta's successor, Nelson Teich, lasted less than a month in office before resigning, citing disagreements with Bolsonaro over the use of chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine to treat COVID-19 patients.
Eduardo Pazuello, an army general with no health experience, was named as the interim Health Minister and began replacing key positions within the ministry with other military brass.
