Much of the blame for Brazil's coronavirus disaster lies with Jair Bolsonaro, who has enabled a domestic tragedy that now threatens the world, says analyst Robert Muggah.
Another surge in coronavirus cases has collapsed Manaus' health system, leading hospitals to run out of beds and oxygen for patients. It's also having a deadly fallout in nearby communities.
Pandemic emergency aid gave an unlikely ratings boost to President Jair Bolsonaro, who has criticized welfare and protested virus prevention measures. Now he's weighing further social spending.
"She is in a state of good health and will follow all established protocols," the Planalto Palace says. The news comes as Brazil — with record high infection rates — lifts its air travel ban.
The 65-year-old leader revealed the result Tuesday on national TV. Bolsonaro has repeatedly downplayed the virus's dangers, despite Brazil suffering the world's second-largest outbreak.
Local health officials and journalists condemned President Jair Bolsonaro's administration for recently concealing much of its coronavirus data. Now, a Supreme Court justice has sided with them.
Cemeteries and hospitals are overwhelmed by a surge in fatalities, most of which are not registered in official COVID-19 statistics because of a lack of testing and bureaucratic delays.
Followers of President Jair Bolsonaro demand that the country returns to work and ends closures imposed to reduce the spread of COVID-19, which has killed 77 in Brazil.