Indigenous communities in Brazil have started pressuring the government as coronavirus cases in many regions increase.
Kayapo Mekragnoti Community Stand in Defiance
The Kayapo Mekragnoti tribe in Brazil has blocked a main highway along the Amazon earlier this week as they called for better protection and relief from the novel coronavirus.
On Wednesday the indigenous group did allow the delivery of relief goods. However, they warned of further protests and another blockade Thursday if the government continues to ignore their demands.
The protests have been set off by deforestation, illegal activity in indigenous territories as well as a lack of government aid to tribes battling COVID-19.
It is unclear how many Kayapo Mekragnoti people have been infected with the virus but there have been at least 21,000 confirmed cases among indigenous communities in the country.
Inside the Indigenous Protests
The Kayapo tribe said the federal government wasn't doing enough to protect indigenous people from COVID-19. They said four of the tribe's elders had succumbed to the virus. "We are tired of promises not being kept," it said in a statement.
The tribe said the government's indigenous affairs agency Funai didn't provide assistance in both dealing with the pandemic and prohibiting illegal loggers and gold miners from entering their territory.
The government has yet to respond to the tribe's latest complaints.
As of Wednesday Brazil had 3,460,413 confirmed COVID-19 cases and 111,189 deaths.
Mexico Wants Phase 3 Testing of Russian Vaccine
In Mexico the government said it was willing to conduct phase-three trials of Russia's COVID-19 vaccine - the first coronavirus vaccine in the world waiting for regulatory approval.
Russia has completed production of its first batch of vaccines and Mexico is one country that has said it is interested in the human trials crucial in determining if the vaccine is approved by international regulators.
Mexico is among the worst-affected countries in Latin America. As of Wednesday it had registered 537,031 confirmed coronavirus cases and 58,481 deaths.
Venezuela Reportedly Cracks Down On 'Bioterrorists'
Meanwhile, in Venezuela, President Nicolas Maduro's government is reportedly tracking down potential coronavirus victims - tagging them as "bioterrorists."
According to a report the Maduro administration is harassing health experts and doctors whose recommendations or comments on Venezuela's COVID-19 battle contradict the government.
In addition, the government has reportedly ordered Venezuelans returning to the country to be held at locations such as schools and hotels.
Venezuela citizens from abroad are reportedly deprived of proper food and water as well as protective equipment. They are said to be monitored by military guards.
There have been questions about coronavirus figures released by the government and if they reflect the actual number of cases and deaths. Venezuela has 35,697 confirmed COVID-19 cases and at least 297 deaths linked to the virus.
The country is among a few Latin American nations with a low death rate but health analysts are worried about the government's treatment of those who have possibly been infected.
