ADVERTISEMENT

With More Daily Deaths Than U.K., Brazil Is New Virus Hotspot

Brazil is fast emerging as the new global hotspot for the coronavirus pandemic, trailing only the U.S. in daily deaths.

With More Daily Deaths Than U.K., Brazil Is New Virus Hotspot
Workers wearing protective gear lower the casket of a Covid-19 victim in Sao Paulo, Brazil, on April 29, 2020. (Photographer: Jonne Roriz/Bloomberg)

(Bloomberg) --

Brazil is fast emerging as the new global hotspot for the coronavirus pandemic, trailing only the U.S. in daily deaths.

The country reported 751 deaths on Friday, surpassing the U.K.’s daily death toll. The number of infections has nearly tripled in the past two weeks to over 145,000, leaving 9,897 dead. Health officials say the numbers are likely higher as a lack of testing has meant many cases and deaths don’t make the official count. Deaths at home have climbed 10% compared with last year.

The worsening of the health crisis after more than a month of loosely enforced quarantine and lockdown orders has led governors and mayors to increase restrictions to try to halt the spread of the disease. Sao Paulo, which accounts for about a third of Brazil’s GDP and is the hardest-hit by the pandemic, extended a quarantine until May 31 amid what governor Joao Doria called a “devastating” picture. Cities in the country’s poorer North and Northeastern regions, with health systems that were already overwhelmed before the pandemic hit, have implemented even harsher lockdowns.

At the same time, the push to reopen Latin America’s largest economy has gained steam. With about 25% of the population in poverty, many can’t afford not to work and live in cramped quarters that make social distancing nearly impossible. Early signs on the impact of the pandemic on an already anemic economy paint a dire picture: Industrial production sank 9% in March, and April vehicle production was the lowest since 1957. Forecasts show GDP contracting as much as 7% this year.

On Thursday, President Jair Bolsonaro and several cabinet members made an unscheduled visit to the nation’s Supreme Court in a plea to ease restriction measures. The president has often disregarded social isolation, mingling with supporters, calling the virus “just a flu” and warning of the impact of the economic crisis ahead if people don’t get back to work. Several regions have already done so. The industrialized Santa Catarina state and crop-rich Mato Grosso do Sul are reopening malls, gyms and churches.

There’s no consensus or national guidelines on how to return to business. Health Minister Nelson Teich has avoided taking a firm stance on social distancing -- a frequent source of clashes between Bolsonaro and his previous health minister, who he fired in April -- often saying it’s not a political issue nor a “for or against” matter. He said this week the ministry may recommend lockdowns in specific areas, but has yet to issue any specific guidance.

Teich said in late April that data showed Brazil’s situation was worsening, but trying to pinpoint the peak was a guessing game. “You ask me when will we peak. I don’t know, and no one does. We can project dates, but they’re just assumptions,” he said.

U.S., U.K.

U.S. cases increased 2.3% over the past 24 hours to 1.27 million, according to data collected by Johns Hopkins University and Bloomberg News. Deaths rose 1.9% to 76,475.

In the U.K., Boris Johnson’s government tried to damp expectations that the lockdown will be significantly rolled back as top scientists warned the country’s infection rate has crept upward in recent days. Data announced Friday showed deaths and infections still at high levels, with 4,649 new cases of Covid-19 and 626 deaths. The prime minister will set out a plan for how the restrictions will be eased in a statement to the nation Sunday.

©2020 Bloomberg L.P.