Bolsonaro addressed the nation shortly after the Health Ministry reported twelve deaths yesterday, the highest one-day toll since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, taking the total to 46. His statements yesterday represented the latest twist in his contradictory attitude to the pandemic -- most of the time minimising its severity and occasionally acknowledging its seriousness. His attitude has prompted eight consecutive days of pot-banging protests across major cities and a strong reaction from state governors.
Brazil is likely to fall into recession in the first half of 2020.
The country’s huge numbers of unemployed and informal workers will be hit hardest.
Congress’s “calamity” declaration will allow the government to increase spending without violating fiscal responsibility legislation.
