Large Crowds Gather on Brazilian Beaches on First Day of Holiday Amid COVID-19 Impact

Some Local Residents Ignoring Quarantine Guidelines Clash with Health Workers
Brazilian President Calls Governors Who Don't Prioritize Economic Recovery 'Small Dictators'

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy International Desk Reporter] Amid ongoing damage from the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) in Brazil, large crowds gathered at beaches during the holiday.

On the 5th (local time), the first day of the holiday period leading up to Brazil's Independence Day (7th), large crowds cooled off the heat at beaches in S?o Paulo and Rio de Janeiro states.

Despite it still being winter, residents visiting the beaches in the heat soaring around 30 degrees Celsius largely ignored quarantine guidelines such as wearing masks and social distancing, raising concerns about a resurgence of COVID-19.

Earlier, Jo?o Doria, governor of S?o Paulo, emphasized that social distancing measures are still in place and urged mayors of coastal cities to implement thorough quarantine measures.

During the holiday period, police forces and quarantine personnel were deployed in large numbers at major beaches to enforce regulations, but Brazilian media reported that clashes occurred in some areas due to residents' resistance.

According to the Brazilian Ministry of Health, the cumulative number of confirmed cases reached 4,121,987, an increase of 30,168 from the previous day. New confirmed cases exceeded 40,000 for four consecutive days from the 31st of last month to the 3rd of this month, rising to the 50,000 range the day before, but slightly decreased on this day. The cumulative death toll rose by 682 to 126,203. New deaths exceeded 1,000 on the 1st and 2nd but have been below 1,000 for three consecutive days since the 3rd.

Meanwhile, Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro visited a domestic airport in the southern region of S?o Paulo city on this day and once again criticized governors and mayors who strengthened social distancing measures in response to COVID-19.

He claimed, "Governors and mayors who do not prioritize economic recovery are 'little dictators,'" and stated, "We should not fear COVID-19 but fight against it." In Brazil, the authority to decide on social distancing, lockdown measures, and economic activity resumption lies with governors and mayors.

Since the onset of COVID-19 in Brazil, President Bolsonaro has described it as a "mild flu," opposed social distancing and economic lockdowns, and consistently prioritized economic recovery in his statements and actions.

During his time at the airport, Bolsonaro did not wear a mask and, ignoring social distancing, was surrounded by supporters, taking photos and signing a Brazilian flag handed to him by a supporter, displaying behavior far from quarantine measures.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.