Brazil Reports 621 Coronavirus Cases; Six States Now Have Community Transmission

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – On Thursday, March 19th, the Ministry of Health updated the number of people infected with the coronavirus (Covid-19) in Brazil to 621.

The number of states with community transmission, cases in which it is not possible to determine the origin of contagion has also increased.

According to the Ministry, there are now six regions with this type of contagion: São Paulo (state), Rio de Janeiro (capital), Santa Catarina (south of the state), Rio Grande do Sul (capital), Minas Gerais (capital) and Pernambuco (state).

The total number of deaths is now seven, with deaths in the states of São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro. All victims were over 60 years of age and belonged to the so-called risk group with pre-existing health problems.

According to the Minister of Health, Luiz Henrique Mandetta, the figures show that growth is not occurring locally, but throughout the country. “We are at the foot of the mountain and now we are going to start climbing,” he said.

As a result, the Minister continued, the role of citizens is crucial in terms of prevention measures, such as hygiene, and containment, such as isolation. The greatest concern is the burden on the health system.

“When you have the flu, you need to go into home isolation. If you have symptoms, you go into home isolation. You don’t go out to play, have a little party,” he advised.

Closing borders

Faced with the advancing Covid-19 outbreak, the federal government closed its land borders with Argentina, Bolivia, Colombia, French Guiana, Paraguay, Per,u and Suriname; the border with Venezuela had already been closed.

The ordinance was signed by Sérgio Moro, Minister of Justice, Luiz Henrique Mandetta, of Health, and Braga Netto, the Chief of Staff. Air travel is also expected to be discontinued soon.

Cases increasing until June

The Health Minister said the numbers will increase exponentially until the end of June. “We are expecting to work with upward spirals between April, May, and June. We will experience 60 to 90 days of great stress and we will suffer an overload,” Mandetta said.

According to estimates, by July cases are expected to recede, and by August or September, the scenario should be back to lower levels. “As long as we build up the so-called immunity in more than 50 percent of people,” he said.

Economic measures

Economy Minister Paulo Guedes announced a number of aid measures to reduce the impact of the Covid-19 on the economy.

A grant of R$200 (US$50) for independent workers is being prepared, in addition to the guarantee of payment to workers who have their working hours reduced.

Actions in the states

Several states are taking measures to halt the advance of the coronavirus. The governor of São Paulo, João Doria (PSDB), recommended closing down shopping malls and gyms in the metropolitan region. In addition, classes in public and private schools are also being suspended.

Rio de Janeiro has declared an emergency situation and among other measures, has requested federal regulatory approval for a 15-day suspension of interstate bus lines from states with confirmed or declared community contagion of the virus. [

Source: Exame