RIO DE JANEIRO: Work had already dried up for Ivanilson Gervásio when the coronavirus first emerged in Brazil in late February. Multitudes of destitute Brazilians like Gervásio face bureaucratic delays in getting assistance, amid fraud and a disjointed emergency response by federal officials. The coronavirus has killed more than 5,400 people in Brazil, the most in Latin America, but even local policymakers admit the toll is much higher. “By saving lives, we will be able to save the economy,” Doria said last month. Asked about the death toll in Brazil this week surpassing that of China, Bolsonaro responded: “So what?”He added: “I am sorry.

Source: Manila Times April 29, 2020 20:03 UTC