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Coronavirus: Bolsonaro hides Brazil death figures, minister criticises Australian BLM protests – live updates Coronavirus: Bolsonaro hides Brazil death figures, minister criticises Australian BLM protests – live updates
(32 minutes later)
Brazil cumulative cases and deaths taken offline; Black Lives Matter demonstrators ‘reckless’; UK to partially reopen churchesBrazil cumulative cases and deaths taken offline; Black Lives Matter demonstrators ‘reckless’; UK to partially reopen churches
A further Black Lives Matter protest is planned for Western Australia’s capital, Perth, next weekend after yet another Indigenous death in custody on Friday. Australian Associated Press has this report:
The death toll from the coronavirus worldwide is approaching 400,000, according to Johns Hopkins University. In total, 6,891,213 cases have been confirmed worldwide. Roughly a third of those cases, almost 2 million infections, are in the US.
The health ministry in Brazil, which has the world’s second-largest coronavirus outbreak, has removed data from a website that had documented the epidemic. The total number of cases, which have passed 672,000, and the death toll, almost 36,000, are now hidden from view.
Australia’s finance minister Mathias Cormann has condemned Saturday’s mass protests to demand an end to Indigenous deaths in custody as reckless, selfish and self-indulgent. The deputy leader of the opposition, Richard Marles, said Cormann’s rebuke was “tone deaf”.
Scientists working on a potential coronavirus vaccine have almost reached a breakthrough on an antibody treatment which could saves the lives of the elderly and vulnerable. An injection of cloned antibodies that counteract Covid-19 could prove significant for those in the early stages of infection, according to the British-Swedish pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca.
Panama’s government on Saturday said it would reintroduce restrictions on the movement of people in two provinces following increases in new cases.
Mexico’s health ministry on Saturday reported 3,593 new confirmed cases of coronavirus and 341 additional fatalities, bringing the total in the country to 113,619 cases and 13,511 deaths.
In the UK, places of worship will open for individual prayer from 15 June.
The Covid-19 response in part of Northeast China’s Jilin Province has been downgraded to a low level, meaning the country no longer considers any of its regions to be at high risk of the virus.
Australian Associated Press has more on the concerns Victorian health authorities have about cases potentially spreading as a result of a Black Lives Matter protest yesterday in Melbourne, parts of which have had several recent cases of community transmission.The deputy chief health officer Annaliese van Diemen said on Sunday the Black Lives Matter protest in Melbourne had increased the risk for cases.“In terms of potential outbreaks related to the protest, it really will be at least a week and probably closer to two weeks before we have an idea of whether there’s been any transmissions or outbreaks related to that,” van Diemen said. The impact will take its time to show due to incubation periods, people developing symptoms, getting tested and waiting for results, she said.More than 10,000 protesters flooded Melbourne’s CBD on Saturday in a show of solidarity for the US Black Lives Matter movement and to call for an end to Aboriginal deaths in custody.Victoria police will fine the Melbourne organisers $1,652 each for breaching the directions of the chief health officer amid the pandemic.Organisers Warriors of the Aboriginal Resistance posted online they were touched by supporters’ offers to pay their fines, but preferred the money be directed to families directly affected by deaths in custody.Australian Associated Press has more on the concerns Victorian health authorities have about cases potentially spreading as a result of a Black Lives Matter protest yesterday in Melbourne, parts of which have had several recent cases of community transmission.The deputy chief health officer Annaliese van Diemen said on Sunday the Black Lives Matter protest in Melbourne had increased the risk for cases.“In terms of potential outbreaks related to the protest, it really will be at least a week and probably closer to two weeks before we have an idea of whether there’s been any transmissions or outbreaks related to that,” van Diemen said. The impact will take its time to show due to incubation periods, people developing symptoms, getting tested and waiting for results, she said.More than 10,000 protesters flooded Melbourne’s CBD on Saturday in a show of solidarity for the US Black Lives Matter movement and to call for an end to Aboriginal deaths in custody.Victoria police will fine the Melbourne organisers $1,652 each for breaching the directions of the chief health officer amid the pandemic.Organisers Warriors of the Aboriginal Resistance posted online they were touched by supporters’ offers to pay their fines, but preferred the money be directed to families directly affected by deaths in custody.
A smaller, socially-distanced protest of about 20 people also went ahead outside of Frankston police station on Sunday morning.While the wait is on to see what, if any impact, the mass protest has on infections, van Diemen urged people not to attend gatherings of more than 20 people as per the health directions.Dr van Diemen didn’t attend the rally and refused to comment on the cause.“I am not going to make comment on the cause,” she said. Van Diemen previously issued a controversial tweet where she likened the impact of Covid-19 to Captain Cook’s arrival in Australia.A smaller, socially-distanced protest of about 20 people also went ahead outside of Frankston police station on Sunday morning.While the wait is on to see what, if any impact, the mass protest has on infections, van Diemen urged people not to attend gatherings of more than 20 people as per the health directions.Dr van Diemen didn’t attend the rally and refused to comment on the cause.“I am not going to make comment on the cause,” she said. Van Diemen previously issued a controversial tweet where she likened the impact of Covid-19 to Captain Cook’s arrival in Australia.
Here is Press Association’s full report on the antibody treatment that is being developed by the British-Swedish pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca. Scientists say an injection of cloned antibodies could help treat people already infected.Here is Press Association’s full report on the antibody treatment that is being developed by the British-Swedish pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca. Scientists say an injection of cloned antibodies could help treat people already infected.
Thailand has reported eight new coronavirus cases, taking its total to 3,112 infections. The new cases are all among returnees who remain in quarantine.Thailand has reported eight new coronavirus cases, taking its total to 3,112 infections. The new cases are all among returnees who remain in quarantine.
Since the start of the outbreak, 58 fatalities have been recorded. No new deaths were reported on Sunday.Since the start of the outbreak, 58 fatalities have been recorded. No new deaths were reported on Sunday.
Manufacturing output across the UK increased last month from its record low as firms started to emerge from the coronavirus lockdown, Press Association reports.Business advisers BDO LLP said its resesarch suggested manufacturers regained some of the losses sustained between March and April as they benefited from the easing of lockdown measures.Despite the news, output remained at historically low levels, with businesses expecting a “long and difficult” path to recovery, said the report.Firms are grappling with social distancing restrictions while attention begins to re-focus on Brexit negotiations and international trade relationships, said the report.Kaley Crossthwaite, of BDO LLP, said: “While the jump in manufacturing output offers a glimmer of hope, early signs point to this being a long road to recovery. The UK is experiencing the deepest economic contraction in living memory, and possibly in its history.“Output remains drastically below where it would be in ordinary times, but the latest readings suggest we have passed the rock bottom of this crisis.”Manufacturing output across the UK increased last month from its record low as firms started to emerge from the coronavirus lockdown, Press Association reports.Business advisers BDO LLP said its resesarch suggested manufacturers regained some of the losses sustained between March and April as they benefited from the easing of lockdown measures.Despite the news, output remained at historically low levels, with businesses expecting a “long and difficult” path to recovery, said the report.Firms are grappling with social distancing restrictions while attention begins to re-focus on Brexit negotiations and international trade relationships, said the report.Kaley Crossthwaite, of BDO LLP, said: “While the jump in manufacturing output offers a glimmer of hope, early signs point to this being a long road to recovery. The UK is experiencing the deepest economic contraction in living memory, and possibly in its history.“Output remains drastically below where it would be in ordinary times, but the latest readings suggest we have passed the rock bottom of this crisis.”
China’s exports and imports fell in May as the economic slowdown abroad started to take its toll, and after a surprise jump driven by increased demand for anti-epidemic supplies, Agence France-Presse reports.China’s exports and imports fell in May as the economic slowdown abroad started to take its toll, and after a surprise jump driven by increased demand for anti-epidemic supplies, Agence France-Presse reports.
The country has worked to restart its economy after bringing activity to a standstill to curb the coronavirus spread, but consumer demand has remained muted and China’s key overseas markets are suffering downturns.The country has worked to restart its economy after bringing activity to a standstill to curb the coronavirus spread, but consumer demand has remained muted and China’s key overseas markets are suffering downturns.
Exports from the manufacturing powerhouse fell 3.3 percent on-year last month, better than the 6.5 percent slide expected by a Bloomberg poll of analysts.Exports from the manufacturing powerhouse fell 3.3 percent on-year last month, better than the 6.5 percent slide expected by a Bloomberg poll of analysts.
But the return to negative territory came after a surprise 3.5 percent jump in April, which was partly due to medical exports. Analysts have warned of signs that a larger downturn awaits.But the return to negative territory came after a surprise 3.5 percent jump in April, which was partly due to medical exports. Analysts have warned of signs that a larger downturn awaits.
Press Association has the following update on efforts to find a coronavirus treatment.Press Association has the following update on efforts to find a coronavirus treatment.
Western Australia has recorded no new cases of coronavirus in the past 24 hours. The state’s total remains at 599, of which 31 are considered active cases. Of the active cases, 10 are Western Australians, one is from interstate and 20 are crew members from the Al Kuwait live export ship. The state Department of Health says there have been 115,507 COVID-19 tests performed in WA to date. Of those tested, 20,193 were from regional areas.Western Australia has recorded no new cases of coronavirus in the past 24 hours. The state’s total remains at 599, of which 31 are considered active cases. Of the active cases, 10 are Western Australians, one is from interstate and 20 are crew members from the Al Kuwait live export ship. The state Department of Health says there have been 115,507 COVID-19 tests performed in WA to date. Of those tested, 20,193 were from regional areas.
Germany has reported 301 new coronavirus cases, bringing the country’s total to 183,979, according to the Robert Koch Institute. The reported death toll has also risen by 22 to 8,668.Germany has reported 301 new coronavirus cases, bringing the country’s total to 183,979, according to the Robert Koch Institute. The reported death toll has also risen by 22 to 8,668.
The Australian Capital Territory has recorded its first Covid-19 case since 4 May, after a man in his 40s who had recently returned from overseas tested positive. ACT Health says he has been in quarantine since his arrival from overseas. A small number of close contacts have been identified and are also in quarantine. The man is the only known active case in the territory, which has had 104 cases in total. The ACT’s chief health officer, Dr Kerryn Coleman, said this most recent case would be recorded as overseas-acquired. “We are confident there has been no risk to the broader ACT community,” Coleman said. “The case is, however, a good reminder of the ongoing pandemic and the need for our community to continue to observe physical distancing and hygiene measures, and for people to stay home if they are unwell. The case is also a demonstration of how important it is for us to maintain a high level of testing in the community.” The ACT has conducted 20,379 negative tests to date. “We expect that as restrictions are lifted and the movement of people around Australia increases, it is likely that cases will continue to be diagnosed around Australia, including in the ACT,” Coleman said.The Australian Capital Territory has recorded its first Covid-19 case since 4 May, after a man in his 40s who had recently returned from overseas tested positive. ACT Health says he has been in quarantine since his arrival from overseas. A small number of close contacts have been identified and are also in quarantine. The man is the only known active case in the territory, which has had 104 cases in total. The ACT’s chief health officer, Dr Kerryn Coleman, said this most recent case would be recorded as overseas-acquired. “We are confident there has been no risk to the broader ACT community,” Coleman said. “The case is, however, a good reminder of the ongoing pandemic and the need for our community to continue to observe physical distancing and hygiene measures, and for people to stay home if they are unwell. The case is also a demonstration of how important it is for us to maintain a high level of testing in the community.” The ACT has conducted 20,379 negative tests to date. “We expect that as restrictions are lifted and the movement of people around Australia increases, it is likely that cases will continue to be diagnosed around Australia, including in the ACT,” Coleman said.
Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele has for the second time vetoed emergency legislation passed to regulate the Central American country’s coronavirus policy and usher in a gradual reopening of its economy, Reuters reports.Bukele’s legal counsel, Conan Castro, said Bukele had vetoed the law backed on May 30 by Congress because it breached a number of constitutional guarantees including the rights and health of workers and cooperation between organs of government.Castro was speaking to reporters at a news conference in San Salvador with other members of Bukele’s legal team.Bukele, who has been at loggerheads with Congress for weeks over coronavirus policy, had vetoed a similar law in May on the grounds it put the public’s health at risk. He had said he would do the same with the law passed last weekend.Bukele has imposed some of the toughest measures in the Americas against the pandemic, repeatedly clashing with lawmakers over the scope of the lockdown he is pursuing.Bukele’s administration is also ready to sanction any companies that restart operations on Monday without proper authorization, Labor Minister Rolando Castro told reporters at a separate news conference in the capital.The country has recorded 2,934 coronavirus cases and 53 related fatalities.Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele has for the second time vetoed emergency legislation passed to regulate the Central American country’s coronavirus policy and usher in a gradual reopening of its economy, Reuters reports.Bukele’s legal counsel, Conan Castro, said Bukele had vetoed the law backed on May 30 by Congress because it breached a number of constitutional guarantees including the rights and health of workers and cooperation between organs of government.Castro was speaking to reporters at a news conference in San Salvador with other members of Bukele’s legal team.Bukele, who has been at loggerheads with Congress for weeks over coronavirus policy, had vetoed a similar law in May on the grounds it put the public’s health at risk. He had said he would do the same with the law passed last weekend.Bukele has imposed some of the toughest measures in the Americas against the pandemic, repeatedly clashing with lawmakers over the scope of the lockdown he is pursuing.Bukele’s administration is also ready to sanction any companies that restart operations on Monday without proper authorization, Labor Minister Rolando Castro told reporters at a separate news conference in the capital.The country has recorded 2,934 coronavirus cases and 53 related fatalities.
The coronavirus crisis is battering media outlets across Africa that were already struggling for cash and often facing pressure from hostile authorities, Agence France-Presse reports.The coronavirus crisis is battering media outlets across Africa that were already struggling for cash and often facing pressure from hostile authorities, Agence France-Presse reports.
In Kenya some media houses slashed wages by up to half, in Uganda a leading weekly halted printing, and in Namibia hours have been reduced and redundancy schemes fast-tracked. Qasim Akinreti, the chairman of the Lagos Union of Journalists said Nigeria had “lost hundreds of jobs in the past four months.”In Kenya some media houses slashed wages by up to half, in Uganda a leading weekly halted printing, and in Namibia hours have been reduced and redundancy schemes fast-tracked. Qasim Akinreti, the chairman of the Lagos Union of Journalists said Nigeria had “lost hundreds of jobs in the past four months.”
The speed and severity of the current crunch has sparked calls for government bailouts - with private papers in Cameroon even holding a “dead press” day to denounce a lack of action.The speed and severity of the current crunch has sparked calls for government bailouts - with private papers in Cameroon even holding a “dead press” day to denounce a lack of action.
Authorities in some countries have heeded the pleas for help. Kenya’s national regulator on Friday unveiled what it called a “historic” fund worth just under $1 million to help some 150 broadcasters weather the storm.“This challenge of COVID-19 has squeezed life from television and radio stations,” said David Omwoyo, the head of the Media Council of Kenya.Officials from Nigeria’s journalist union said it had appealed to President Muhammadu Buhari to provide emergency aid to distressed media. But there are fears that state aid would only increase political interference in sectors around Africa that are already often dominated by powerful vested interests.Just as the spread of the virus has caused revenues to dwindle, it has also posed unprecedented logistical challenges to media outlets. While the official figures - more than 170,000 infections and 4,700 deaths across the continent - have risen slower than elsewhere on the planet, governments have still imposed tough restrictions.Lockdowns have hampered reporting, social distancing has forced journalists to work remotely with poor internet or electricity supplies, and protective equipment has added new costs.Authorities in some countries have heeded the pleas for help. Kenya’s national regulator on Friday unveiled what it called a “historic” fund worth just under $1 million to help some 150 broadcasters weather the storm.“This challenge of COVID-19 has squeezed life from television and radio stations,” said David Omwoyo, the head of the Media Council of Kenya.Officials from Nigeria’s journalist union said it had appealed to President Muhammadu Buhari to provide emergency aid to distressed media. But there are fears that state aid would only increase political interference in sectors around Africa that are already often dominated by powerful vested interests.Just as the spread of the virus has caused revenues to dwindle, it has also posed unprecedented logistical challenges to media outlets. While the official figures - more than 170,000 infections and 4,700 deaths across the continent - have risen slower than elsewhere on the planet, governments have still imposed tough restrictions.Lockdowns have hampered reporting, social distancing has forced journalists to work remotely with poor internet or electricity supplies, and protective equipment has added new costs.
A man who flew to Queensland, Australia, while infectious with Covid-19 appears to have not yet caused an outbreak, Australian Associated Press reports.The number of active coronavirus cases statewide has dropped to three and there have been no new positive tests overnight. The 24-year-old flew to Brisbane on Monday, where he socialised with friends and family, before flying to Bundaberg, checked into shared accommodation and worked a shift at a strawberry farm.Health officials are trying to track down everyone he came in contact with during his flight and while in Brisbane and Bundaberg.Contact tracing is under way for anyone who travelled from Melbourne to Brisbane on Virgin VA313 on Monday and from Brisbane to Bundaberg on Virgin VA2905 on Tuesday.Queensland’s borders remain closed, but the premier, Annastacia Palaszczuk, is making a pitch for intrastate travel with the slogan - “good to go”. “One in 10 Queenslanders work in the tourism industry and they’ve been doing it tough, but because of our health response, we can now open up Queensland and Queensland is good to go.”A man who flew to Queensland, Australia, while infectious with Covid-19 appears to have not yet caused an outbreak, Australian Associated Press reports.The number of active coronavirus cases statewide has dropped to three and there have been no new positive tests overnight. The 24-year-old flew to Brisbane on Monday, where he socialised with friends and family, before flying to Bundaberg, checked into shared accommodation and worked a shift at a strawberry farm.Health officials are trying to track down everyone he came in contact with during his flight and while in Brisbane and Bundaberg.Contact tracing is under way for anyone who travelled from Melbourne to Brisbane on Virgin VA313 on Monday and from Brisbane to Bundaberg on Virgin VA2905 on Tuesday.Queensland’s borders remain closed, but the premier, Annastacia Palaszczuk, is making a pitch for intrastate travel with the slogan - “good to go”. “One in 10 Queenslanders work in the tourism industry and they’ve been doing it tough, but because of our health response, we can now open up Queensland and Queensland is good to go.”
Fengman district in Northeast China’s Jilin Province has downgraded its Covid-19 response level to low, meaning the country no longer considers any of its regions to be at high risk of the virus, according to the state-backed Global Times.Fengman district in Northeast China’s Jilin Province has downgraded its Covid-19 response level to low, meaning the country no longer considers any of its regions to be at high risk of the virus, according to the state-backed Global Times.
The Global Times quoted a health expert who warned sporadic infections were still possible, however, and that people should not lower their guard. “We should adapt to anti-epidemic normality in daily life,” Wang Peiyu, deputy head of Peking University’s School of Public Health, told Global Times.The Global Times quoted a health expert who warned sporadic infections were still possible, however, and that people should not lower their guard. “We should adapt to anti-epidemic normality in daily life,” Wang Peiyu, deputy head of Peking University’s School of Public Health, told Global Times.
Australia’s finance minister, Mathias Cormann, this morning called Black Lives Matter protesters reckless, selfish and self-indulgent, after tens of thosands took to the streets across the country.Australia’s finance minister, Mathias Cormann, this morning called Black Lives Matter protesters reckless, selfish and self-indulgent, after tens of thosands took to the streets across the country.
Cormann used an interview on Sky News to launch a full-throated attack on participants in yesterday’s rallies in several Australian cities because the protests proceeded in contravention of current health advice to avoid mass gatherings.Cormann used an interview on Sky News to launch a full-throated attack on participants in yesterday’s rallies in several Australian cities because the protests proceeded in contravention of current health advice to avoid mass gatherings.
“It’s quite irresponsible what we’ve seen there,” Cormann said. “As I think about the heartbreak of families who haven’t been able to attend funerals for their loved ones because they were doing the right thing by taking the health advice, my heart just goes out to them.“It’s quite irresponsible what we’ve seen there,” Cormann said. “As I think about the heartbreak of families who haven’t been able to attend funerals for their loved ones because they were doing the right thing by taking the health advice, my heart just goes out to them.
“I mean, as they see people going recklessly to these sorts of demonstrations, that must be just awful for them to watch. I think it is incredibly selfish. It’s incredibly self-indulgent. And yes, it does impose unnecessary and unacceptable risk onto the community.”“I mean, as they see people going recklessly to these sorts of demonstrations, that must be just awful for them to watch. I think it is incredibly selfish. It’s incredibly self-indulgent. And yes, it does impose unnecessary and unacceptable risk onto the community.”
The deputy leader of the opposition, Richard Marles, acknowledged that protests in the middle of a pandemic were a “vexed issue” but he said Cormann’s rebuke on Sunday was “tone deaf”.The deputy leader of the opposition, Richard Marles, acknowledged that protests in the middle of a pandemic were a “vexed issue” but he said Cormann’s rebuke on Sunday was “tone deaf”.
Marles said he would not attend any mass gathering in contravention of the Covid-19 health advice, but he said prime minister Scott Morrison’s suggestion that anxiety about institutional racism was being imported from the US “is patently ridiculous”.Marles said he would not attend any mass gathering in contravention of the Covid-19 health advice, but he said prime minister Scott Morrison’s suggestion that anxiety about institutional racism was being imported from the US “is patently ridiculous”.
“To say to those who are standing up against it and to do something about it, that this is an act of selfishness and indulgence, is wrong,” Marles said on the ABC’s Insiders program this morning.“To say to those who are standing up against it and to do something about it, that this is an act of selfishness and indulgence, is wrong,” Marles said on the ABC’s Insiders program this morning.
An International Cricket Council board meeting on Wednesday could see the global governing body uphold a recommendation to prohibit the use of saliva in order to stop the transmission of the coronavirus, Agence France-Presse.An International Cricket Council board meeting on Wednesday could see the global governing body uphold a recommendation to prohibit the use of saliva in order to stop the transmission of the coronavirus, Agence France-Presse.
Bowlers traditionally get the ball to move or swing in the air, thereby making it harder for batsmen to hit, by applying shine to one side via sweat - which can still be used - or saliva.Bowlers traditionally get the ball to move or swing in the air, thereby making it harder for batsmen to hit, by applying shine to one side via sweat - which can still be used - or saliva.
However, as a temporary measure to combat COVID-19, the ICC’s cricket committee has suggested banning the use of saliva.However, as a temporary measure to combat COVID-19, the ICC’s cricket committee has suggested banning the use of saliva.
It seems unlikely cricket chiefs will row back from the saliva ban but former South Africa paceman Shaun Pollock, even though he is a member of the ICC cricket committee, gave current swing bowlers a glimmer of hope by suggesting health checks in place for next month’s behind closed doors three-Test series between England and the West Indies might make it redundant.It seems unlikely cricket chiefs will row back from the saliva ban but former South Africa paceman Shaun Pollock, even though he is a member of the ICC cricket committee, gave current swing bowlers a glimmer of hope by suggesting health checks in place for next month’s behind closed doors three-Test series between England and the West Indies might make it redundant.
“I think the environment that’ll end up being created is almost going to be like a bubble,” Pollock told the Following On Cricket Podcast. “People will get tested, they’ll go into a two-week camp where they’re just going to sit and monitor how the conditions of their bodies change.“I think the environment that’ll end up being created is almost going to be like a bubble,” Pollock told the Following On Cricket Podcast. “People will get tested, they’ll go into a two-week camp where they’re just going to sit and monitor how the conditions of their bodies change.
“And if there are no symptoms, it doesn’t really matter about shining the ball then, because you’re in the bubble and no one you come into contact with will have coronavirus.“And if there are no symptoms, it doesn’t really matter about shining the ball then, because you’re in the bubble and no one you come into contact with will have coronavirus.
“So you can just get on with normal proceedings.”“So you can just get on with normal proceedings.”
My colleagues Luke Henriques-Gomes in Melbourne and Elias Visontay in Sydney have the following update on the Australian Black Lives Matter protests:My colleagues Luke Henriques-Gomes in Melbourne and Elias Visontay in Sydney have the following update on the Australian Black Lives Matter protests:
Here is a further update from Reuters on Brazil, which has removed from public view months of data on its Covid-19 epidemic.Here is a further update from Reuters on Brazil, which has removed from public view months of data on its Covid-19 epidemic.
The health ministry in Brazil - which has the world’s second-largest coronavirus outbreak - removed the data from a website that had documented the epidemic over time and by state and municipality.The health ministry in Brazil - which has the world’s second-largest coronavirus outbreak - removed the data from a website that had documented the epidemic over time and by state and municipality.
The ministry also stopped giving a total count of confirmed cases, which have shot past 672,000, more than anywhere outside the United States, or a total death toll, which passed Italy this week, nearing 36,000 by Saturday.The ministry also stopped giving a total count of confirmed cases, which have shot past 672,000, more than anywhere outside the United States, or a total death toll, which passed Italy this week, nearing 36,000 by Saturday.
“The cumulative data ... does not reflect the moment the country is in,” Bolsonaro said on Twitter, citing a note from the ministry. “Other actions are underway to improve the reporting of cases and confirmation of diagnoses.”“The cumulative data ... does not reflect the moment the country is in,” Bolsonaro said on Twitter, citing a note from the ministry. “Other actions are underway to improve the reporting of cases and confirmation of diagnoses.”
Bolsonaro has played down the dangers of the pandemic, replaced medical experts in the health ministry with military officials and argued against state lockdowns to fight the virus, hobbling the country’s public health response. Neither Bolsonaro nor the ministry gave a reason for erasing most of the data on the covid.saude.gov.br website, which had been a key public resource for tracking the pandemic.Bolsonaro has played down the dangers of the pandemic, replaced medical experts in the health ministry with military officials and argued against state lockdowns to fight the virus, hobbling the country’s public health response. Neither Bolsonaro nor the ministry gave a reason for erasing most of the data on the covid.saude.gov.br website, which had been a key public resource for tracking the pandemic.