LEADER THREAT TO VIRUS RESPONSE, JOURNAL SAYS

BRASILIA The biggest threat to Brazil’s ability to successfully combat the spread of the coronavirus and tackle the unfolding public health crisis is the country’s president, Jair Bolsonaro, according to British medical journal The Lancet.

In an editorial, the Lancet said his disregard for and flouting of lockdown measures is sowing confusion across Brazil, which is recording record numbers of COVID-19 cases and deaths, and is emerging as one of the world’s coronavirus hot spots.

Brazil has reported 140,023 cases and 9,600 deaths, making it the most deadly outbreak in an emerging market nation.

Bolsonaro is becoming increasingly hamstrung by political crisis following his recent sacking of Health Minister Luiz Henrique Mandetta and the resignation of Justice Minister Sergio Moro, the Lancet said.