This archive report was first published on 24 June 2020.
As Brazil becomes the country with the second-highest number of coronavirus infections, behind the United States, Rio de Janeiro's favelas are a hotspot for the disease. Published on June 24, 2020.
Drug gangs in these areas have taken on a new role: providing Covid-19 guidance to their communities. CNN's International Security Editor Nick Paton Walsh reports from Rio, where he met with gang members, street vendors, and other residents who have stories of death and infection from the coronavirus.
According to Ronaldo, a gang member, the community fears the virus more than President Jair Bolsonaro's handling of the crisis. 'We can't count exactly how many have already died. The hospitals kill more than if you stay home and take care of yourself,' Ronaldo said.
Brazil's President has been a vocal supporter of anti-lockdown protests and has refused to wear a face mask during many public appearances. Ronaldo believes this has hindered progress in containing the virus, 'The isolation was going well here but now even the President himself — in his own words — is disregarding it. But we can't ease it. We've seen a lot of death. We know it's not a small thing.'
When asked about the hydroxychloroquine that the United States has agreed to send to Brazil, Ronaldo was skeptical, 'I don't think hydroxychloroquine helps. It's BS. Everything that comes to Brazil from abroad has already been contaminated.'
Residents of the favelas have seen the devastating effects of the virus firsthand. Daniel, a street food vendor, spoke about the overwhelming spread of the disease, 'The virus is in control here. Even the dealers are afraid. It's not possible to control everyone.'
