Brazil: Healthcare System Nearing Collapse Amid Surging COVID-19 Cases
What Happened: Brazil reported a record 71,000 new COVID-19 cases and 1,900 deaths on March 3, with Intensive Care Units (ICUs) now at capacity in 18 of the country’s 26 states, Reuters has reported. In response to the surge in COVID-19 infections, several Brazilian states including Sao Paulo have entered into partial lockdowns.
Why It Matters: The recent rise in COVID-19 cases in Brazil is due to the spread of a more contagious homegrown variant of the virus dubbed P1, along with the relaxing of social distancing measures across the country. Should the Brazilian healthcare system be overwhelmed, it is likely that there will be a backlash against the government.
Background: The P1 COVID-19 variant first appeared in the Amazonas state of Brazil at the beginning of January. Preliminary studies have also shown that the variant appears to be more contagious and infects people who have already recovered from other versions of the virus.
Read More:
- In Brazil, Bolsonaro's COVID-19 Rift With Congress Will Stall Tax Reforms (March 27, 2020)
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