Hours after Brazil passed Russia as the world's second largest-hit country, the United States banned entry on people from Brazil. The new restrictions came as President Jair Bolsonaro continues to show defiance of COVID-19 warnings.
U.S. Adds Brazil to List of 'No Entry' Countries
On Sunday, the White House announced that most non-Americans who were in Brazil for the last two weeks will be banned from entering the United States starting Thursday.
Due to the new order, Brazil has joined Iran, some parts of Europe, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and China in the U.S. list of "no entry" countries. On the other hand, the American government noted that trade between the two nations will not be affected despite the restriction.
Before the ban was officially announced, U.S. President Donald Trump had been dropping hints that he was considering restrictions on people from the second hardest-hit country as the White House anti-coronavirus taskforce continues to try to contain COVID-19.
Despite calls for stricter guidelines for Brazilian citizens and residents, Bolsonaro has especially been encouraging protests against strict social distancing and movement control orders.
Bolsonaro Joins Protests Again
On Sunday, Bolsonaro was photographed joining protesters who called on the government to ease social distancing measures. Experts said Bolsonaro's encouragement of rallies has pushed protesters to keep defying movement control orders.
While Bolsonaro's security guards were seen wearing masks, Bolsonaro opted a "no mask" show as he waved and greeted protesting rallying in the streets in crowds.
Aside from greeting the rallying groups, Bolsonaro was also seen shaking hands with people. At one point, he was seen carrying a boy on his shoulder. It is expected that protests will continue in Sao Paulo as the Brazilian president shows defiance against the Supreme Court.
Bolsonaro's refusal to abide by social distancing rules came days after the country's Federal Supreme Court allowed the release of a video recording wherein Bolsonaro was heard saying he wanted a shake-up in security officials so people around him will not be "screwed."
Favelas Hit Hard in Brazil's Crisis
Favelas, or the slums in Brazil, are suffering largely from the pandemic and Bolsonaro's focus on the economy instead of containing the virus first.
Women in favelas have been told to go out in the streets and find any piece of cloth they can transform into masks to be distributed to poor families. Aid groups are also hard at work in providing food to families who can no longer support themselves.
Due to the lack of test kits in Brazil, many cases in favelas go undetected. People only get tested for COVID-19 when they develop at least three symptoms, nurses revealed.
Brazil's favelas are known to have large high-risk groups and aid groups are struggling to detect cases and provide appropriate healthcare to those who test positive due to the lack of resources.
Some experts noted that there was a lack of social responsibility in practicing social distancing measures as the country's leader encourages defiance despite the crumbling healthcare system and spike in infections.
As of Sunday evening, Brazil logged a total of 365,213 confirmed COVID-19 cases and 22, 746 deaths.
