Coronavirus: Brazil records third-highest Covid-19 infection level

2020-05-19 12:45:49

Brazil has become the country with the third-highest number of confirmed coronavirus infections in the world, after registering a total of more than 250,000 cases. Only the US and Russia have recorded more infections. Experts say insufficient testing might mean that the real figure in Brazil could be 15 times higher. The country's far-right president, Jair Bolsonaro, has dismissed the risks and compared Covid-19 to "a little flu". His handling of the outbreak - which has included calls for lockdowns imposed by state governors to be lifted - has led to criticism and the resignation of Health Minister Nelson Teich last week. Mr Teich's predecessor, Luiz Mandetta, was sacked by President Bolsonaro after the two men disagreed over social distancing measures. But Mr Bolsonaro's focus on minimising economic disruption has been welcomed by many. Supporters who have organised anti-lockdown rallies, some of which the president attended.