For President Jair Bolsonaro, the containment measures ordered against the new coronavirus by different states and municipalities in Brazil, including the state of Sao Paulo, threaten to ruin the first economy in Latin America.

"The authorities of certain states and municipalities must give up the concept of scorched earth: the ban on transport, the closing of shops and mass containment," said Jair Bolsonaro on Tuesday March 24. "We must maintain jobs and preserve the supply of families," he added.

The Brazilian head of state downplayed the risks associated with the Covid-19 pandemic, which affected 2,201 people and killed 46 people in the country. "The risk group is that of people over 60 years old. So why close the schools?" he asked himself.

"Hysteria"

The far-right president accused the media of spreading "hysteria" in the face of the pandemic and said that Brazil was immune, he said, thanks to its warm climate and its predominantly young population.

"The virus has arrived in Brazil, we are fighting it and it will be over soon. Our life must continue. Jobs must be maintained. Families must continue to live. Yes, we must return to normal," continued Jair Bolsonaro .

With AFP

The France 24 week summary invites you to come back to the news that marked the week

I subscribe

Download the app

google-play-badge_FR