While Brazil’s president fights social distancing, its public health system is fighting the pandemic
Brazil’s government is in the running for the world’s worst coronavirus response. While many world leaders have imposed lockdowns or stay-at-home orders, President Jair Bolsonaro has launched a $1 million advertising campaign against social distancing — encouraging people to go to church and businesses to stay open.
Meanwhile, on May 1, Brazil reported 91,589 cases and 6,329 deaths — twice the number of the previous week and probably a severe underestimate.
Co-starring in this drama has been Luiz Mandetta, Brazil’s recently fired health minister. A conservative politician who once voted for a 20-year freeze on government health spending, Mandetta’s stance on the pandemic has rebranded him as a Fauci figure.… Seguir leyendo »