SHOCKING CONDUCT

The coronavirus death toll in Brazil is spiraling. The dire situation should have pushed the authorities into tightening remedial measures by pumping manpower and resource into the healthcare division. But shockingly it is the other way around. Many governors, mayors and judges have reopenined parts of the economy despite lingering chaos in overcrowded hospitals and a collapsed health system (“Brazil’s daily deaths from COVID pass 4,000 for first time,” April 7, Gulf Today).

Shocking though, Bolsonaro seems to taking a page from Trump playbook. Both leaders have vehemently underplayed the risks, refusing to impose national lockdown or even enforce mandatory wearing of masks. More than 90% of beds in intensive care unit in most Brazilian are occupied by COVID-19 patients and yet hundreds are dying as they wait for care and basic supplies such as oxygen and sedatives. The other drawback hindering the curtailment of the spread is the short supply of vaccines. Less than 3% of Brazil’s 210 million people have received both doses of coronavirus vaccines.surprisingly, taking the cue from their leader, Brazilians too have thrown caution to the winds. Reports said that In Sao Sebastiao city, tourists thronged to the shores breaking barriers installed at the access to beaches to avoid crowds.

Scary situation, but unless the carnival mood comes to a halt, a change is unlikely.

Carroll Smith

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