As protests against the Brazilian government break out globally, the World Health Organization (WHO) called out the country for increased efforts in preventing further infections.
WHO Calls Out Brazil
Head of the WHO emergencies program, Michael Ryan, urged Brazil to link "the efforts at federal and at state level in a much more systematic way." He added that there should be "focus on a comprehensive approach" in dealing with the virus' spread.
The WHO's comments came as Brazil's central government continues to clash with several local governments that refuse to ease up on anti-coronavirus restrictions.
Some local government leaders have gone as far as announcing they would step down from their post due to the tensions with the current administration under President Jair Bolsonaro.
Bolsonaro, who referred to the novel coronavirus as a "little flu," has been calling on local governments to relax movement control orders so as to bolster the fallen Brazilian economy.
However, health experts and some local leaders have warned against early reopening of the economy, citing increased daily COVID-19 cases and fatality counts that refuse to decline.
Labor Groups Clap Back on Safety Guidelines
Aside from an outright call from the WHO, the Brazilian government is also faced with continuous criticism from various branches of society.
On Monday, labor groups released a public statement wherein they slammed the safety guidelines for working during the COVID-19 crisis provided by the government.
In the statement, 31 labor groups and unions said the guidelines had multiple errors and measures that lacked the necessary guidelines for protecting laborers during a critical time in national health.
Furthermore, the statement said the guidelines project "criminal disregard" for not just health workers but also for the general public. The labor groups also questioned omitted parts that should have been crucial in ensuring everyone's safety during the pandemic.
The guidelines stated that employees should work at least one meter apart. However, health experts have previously advised social distancing of at least two meters apart for higher chances of infection prevention.
Bolsonaro Urged to Step Down
Amid the steady increase of new coronavirus cases in Brazil, protesters from more than 20 countries around the world called on Bolsonaro to step down from the presidential seat.
Protesters from around the world carried "Stop Bolsonaro" banners following the worst COVID-19 week for Brazil wherein over 259,000 infections were recorded in the week ending Sunday.
The protests were held not just from within main Brazilian cities but also other countries where groups have been criticizing the Bolsonaro administration for its coronavirus handling.
In the capital of Brasilia alone, 1,000 crosses were set up in front of the Congress as a tribute to the people who succumbed to the fast-spreading disease. Crowds held red flags as they called for more coordinated action from the government.
As of Monday, Brazil logged a total of 1,370,388 confirmed COVID-19 cases and 58,385 deaths.
