Covid-19: President Bolsonaro says Brazil and world can’t take new lockdown

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – President Jair Bolsonaro said today (26) that Brazil and the world cannot take a new lockdown when commenting on the possibility of the arrival of a new variant of Covid-19, as is being cogitated with the strain that emerged in South Africa and has spread to other countries. He participated, this afternoon, in the celebrations of the 76th anniversary of the Parachute Infantry Brigade, in Rio de Janeiro.

“Anything can happen. A new variant, a new virus. We have to prepare ourselves. Brazil, the world, can’t take a new lockdown. It will condemn everyone to misery, and misery leads to death too. There is no use in getting scared. Face reality. Lockdown was not an appropriate measure. As a result of the policy of ‘stay at home, and we will see the economy later, we are seeing it now. We are having problems,” said Bolsonaro.

About the possibility of closing borders, the president said he would not take any irrational measure. He also said that he has no interference in holding Carnaval celebrations, which are up to the state and municipal levels of government.

“I will take reasonable measures. Carnaval, for example, I won’t go to Carnaval. The decision is up to governors and mayors. I have no command in the fight against the pandemic. The decision was given, by the STF, to governors and mayors. I did my part last year, and I am still doing it. Resources, material, personnel, emergency issues, such as oxygen there in Manaus,” he said.

According to him, Brazil is one of the countries doing better in the economy on the pandemic issue. “We have done our part. If my government has no alternatives, everyone will suffer, without exception. There will not be rich, poor, social class. We are sure that we can solve these problems. Elections are in October of next year. Until then, we have to roll up our sleeves and work. There are 210 million people in Brazil who, in great part, depend on the policies adopted by the government,” he pointed out.

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