In Brazil, there are more young people in ICUs than old. Brazil was banking on a Chinese vaccine to crush the surge. But, a study says the shot is just 50.7% effective. China is now considering mixing 2 different shots. Is that even possible? WION's Palki Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: Chinese vaccine 'just 50.7%' effective against Brazilian variant

Brazil's healthcare system has collapsed due to coronavirus. This Sunday, Brazil recorded more than 1800 deaths. The total death toll so far is more than 353,000. And the Brazilian variant is targetting the youth as well. There are more young people in ICUs of hospitals than old. The number of people under 40 surpassed the number of old.

Brazil was banking on Chinese vaccine Sinovac. However, a local study has found that this shot has an efficacy of just 50.7 per cent. The efficacy is barely over the threshold needed for regulatory approval by the WHO.

China, just for a short while, also admitted that its vaccines aren't good enough. The top disease control official of China Gao Fu, said current Chinese vaccines offer lower protection.

But on Monday, he walked back from this statement. And the state media went into overdrive to defend the Chinese shots. Reports say China is now considering mixing two different vaccines to boost their power.

The idea is not new. There are others who are exploring this possibility. The UK is conducting a trial to check, if one person can get two doses of different vaccines.

In France, the health regulator has already allowed mixing of vaccine shots. Those under the age of 55, who received the AstraZeneca vaccine first can take either the Pfizer or Moderna jab for their second dose.

Germany is following a similar policy. Health experts generally agree that mixing vaccines shouldn't be a problem. It's an approach that has been tried before with Influenza and ebola shots.

But scientists need more data to be sure if different Wuhan virus vaccines can indeed work together.

Brazil's healthcare system has collapsed due to coronavirus. This Sunday, Brazil recorded more than 1800 deaths. The total death toll so far is more than 353,000.

Brazil's healthcare system has collapsed due to coronavirus. This Sunday, Brazil recorded more than 1800 deaths. The total death toll so far is more than 353,000. And the Brazilian variant is targetting the youth as well. There are more young people in ICUs of hospitals than old. The number of people under 40 surpassed the number of old. Brazil was banking on Chinese vaccine Sinovac. However, a local study has found that this shot has an efficacy of just 50.7 per cent. The efficacy is barely over the threshold needed for regulatory approval by the WHO. China, just for a short while, also admitted that its vaccines aren't good enough. The top disease control official of China Gao Fu, said current Chinese vaccines offer lower protection. But on Monday, he walked back from this statement. And the state media went into overdrive to defend the Chinese shots. Reports say China is now considering mixing two different vaccines to boost their power. The idea is not new. There are others who are exploring this possibility. The UK is conducting a trial to check, if one person can get two doses of different vaccines. In France, the health regulator has already allowed mixing of vaccine shots. Those under the age of 55, who received the AstraZeneca vaccine first can take either the Pfizer or Moderna jab for their second dose. Germany is following a similar policy. Health experts generally agree that mixing vaccines shouldn't be a problem. It's an approach that has been tried before with Influenza and ebola shots. But scientists need more data to be sure if different Wuhan virus vaccines can indeed work together.

Brazil: Was it a mistake to rely on Chinese vaccines?

With a new Coronavirus varient in the Brazil, the country is witnessing a massive surge in the number of COVID-19 patients under 40 in intensive care units. The number of people aged 39 or younger in intensive care units rose sharply in March to more than 11,000 patients.

Brazil has more younger COVID-19 patients than old in ICUs

In Brazil nearly about 4,195 people have lost their lives due to the COVID-19 infection in the last 24 hours and this is the highest single day death that has been reported from the country.

Brazil COVID-19 Update: Mutant virus wreaks havoc, 4,195 people died in 24 hrs

Brazil witnessed over 60,000 deaths in March due to COVID-19 and health services in the country have been pushed to the brink. The country has suffered the world's second highest death toll. Now, night funerals are being held.

COVID-19: Night funerals held in Brazil

One of the busiest cities in Brazil, Rio de Janeiro, has decided to extend the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus</a> restrictions imposed two weeks ago.

The authorities have decided to extend the restrictions seeking to limit person-to-person transmission in the city.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/can-vaccinated-people-spread-the-virus-we-dont-know-scientists-say-374976" hreflang="en">Can vaccinated people spread the virus? We don’t know, scientists say</a>

This decision has been taken after the death toll due to coronavirus saw an alarming increase in the city. While the decision attracted criticism, the city’s mayor defended his decision.

"If there had been a major drop we could have reduced the restrictions," Mayor Eduardo Paes told the local media.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-in-brazil-out-of-control-says-the-journalist-who-sued-bolsonaro-for-derogatory-remarks-374703" hreflang="en">Covid in Brazil 'out of control', says the journalist who sued Bolsonaro for derogatory remarks</a>

"I want to open beaches, restaurants and bars, but that decision is based on scientific data," he said. "You have to give a little more time, no matter how hard it is for companies and for those looking for work to earn a living. These decreases in people-to-people contact are already paying off."

While the death toll has been increasing, the occupancy rate of the intensive care unit (ICU) has continued to remain over 90 per cent.

March has been one of the deadliest months for Brazil since the pandemic began as the country registered more than 66,573 deaths, which is double the toll from July 2020 — labelled as the worst month for Brazil in the pandemic.

Rio de Janeiro, in particular, has recorded more than 37,000 deaths with a mortality rate of 215 per 100,000.

While the restrictions have been extended, the mayor has announced the reopening of schools for in-person classes from Tuesday. However, all non-essential businesses (such as restaurants, cinemas and museums) will stay closed till Friday and may reopen only with restricted hours.

One of the busiest cities in Brazil, Rio de Janeiro, has decided to extend the coronavirus restrictions imposed two weeks ago. The authorities have decided to extend the restrictions seeking to limit person-to-person transmission in the city.

One of the busiest cities in Brazil, Rio de Janeiro, has decided to extend the coronavirus restrictions imposed two weeks ago. The authorities have decided to extend the restrictions seeking to limit person-to-person transmission in the city. Also read | Can vaccinated people spread the virus? We don’t know, scientists say This decision has been taken after the death toll due to coronavirus saw an alarming increase in the city. While the decision attracted criticism, the city’s mayor defended his decision. "If there had been a major drop we could have reduced the restrictions," Mayor Eduardo Paes told the local media. Also read | Covid in Brazil 'out of control', says the journalist who sued Bolsonaro for derogatory remarks "I want to open beaches, restaurants and bars, but that decision is based on scientific data," he said. "You have to give a little more time, no matter how hard it is for companies and for those looking for work to earn a living. These decreases in people-to-people contact are already paying off." While the death toll has been increasing, the occupancy rate of the intensive care unit (ICU) has continued to remain over 90 per cent. March has been one of the deadliest months for Brazil since the pandemic began as the country registered more than 66,573 deaths, which is double the toll from July 2020 — labelled as the worst month for Brazil in the pandemic. Rio de Janeiro, in particular, has recorded more than 37,000 deaths with a mortality rate of 215 per 100,000. While the restrictions have been extended, the mayor has announced the reopening of schools for in-person classes from Tuesday. However, all non-essential businesses (such as restaurants, cinemas and museums) will stay closed till Friday and may reopen only with restricted hours.

Brazil's Rio de Janeiro extends coronavirus restrictions amid rising death toll

Scuffles broke out in Brazil as supporters of President Jair Bolsonaro clash with the opponents. Protesters are being held on the anniversary of the country's 1964 military coup to oppose the sacking of the three military chiefs and Bolsonaro's handling of the pandemic.

Brazil: Protesters oppose sacking of the 3 military chiefs

Brazil's biggest city on Thursday (April 1) sped up efforts to empty old graves, making room for a soaring number of COVID-19 deaths as Sao Paulo city hall registered record daily burials this week.

Sao Paulo exhumes old graves to make space for surging COVID-19 burials

Brazil is now widely viewed as the epicentre of the pandemic, with the highest number of daily deaths of any nation.&nbsp;

“We have people dying because of lack of oxygen, people are literally suffocating. The situation is completely out of control,” said journalist Patricia Campos Mello.

Campos Mello comments came after Brazil registered on Tuesday a daily record tally of Covid deaths, recording more than 3,700 deaths, according to data from Brazil’s health ministry.

Patricia Campos Mello, a reporter for Folha de Sao Paulo, had sued President Jair Bolsonaro after he made remarks that questioned her credibility.

The Covid-19 death toll spiralled out of control in Brazil in March, more than doubling the country's previous monthly record.

Brazil reported 66,573 people had died of Covid-19 in March -- more than twice as many fatalities as the country's second-deadliest month of the pandemic, July 2020.

The virus has killed more than 2.8 million people since it emerged in the Chinese city of Wuhan in late 2019. And though the world is looking to vaccines to end the upheaval Covid-19 has brought, rollouts are off to a sputtering start in many countries.

That includes Brazil, where health experts say the explosion of cases is partly driven by a local variant of the virus known as P1, which can re-infect people who have had the original strain and is believed to be more contagious.

"Never in Brazilian history have we seen a single event kill so many people" in one month, said Doctor Miguel Nicolelis, former pandemic response coordinator for Brazil's impoverished northeast.

With the southern hemisphere winter approaching and the virus spreading fast, Brazil is facing "a perfect storm," he said.

(With inputs from agencies)

Brazil is now widely viewed as the epicentre of the pandemic, with the highest number of daily deaths of any nation. “We have people dying because of lack of oxygen, people are literally suffocating.

Brazil is now widely viewed as the epicentre of the pandemic, with the highest number of daily deaths of any nation. “We have people dying because of lack of oxygen, people are literally suffocating. The situation is completely out of control,” said journalist Patricia Campos Mello. Campos Mello comments came after Brazil registered on Tuesday a daily record tally of Covid deaths, recording more than 3,700 deaths, according to data from Brazil’s health ministry. Patricia Campos Mello, a reporter for Folha de Sao Paulo, had sued President Jair Bolsonaro after he made remarks that questioned her credibility. The Covid-19 death toll spiralled out of control in Brazil in March, more than doubling the country's previous monthly record. Brazil reported 66,573 people had died of Covid-19 in March -- more than twice as many fatalities as the country's second-deadliest month of the pandemic, July 2020. The virus has killed more than 2.8 million people since it emerged in the Chinese city of Wuhan in late 2019. And though the world is looking to vaccines to end the upheaval Covid-19 has brought, rollouts are off to a sputtering start in many countries. That includes Brazil, where health experts say the explosion of cases is partly driven by a local variant of the virus known as P1, which can re-infect people who have had the original strain and is believed to be more contagious. "Never in Brazilian history have we seen a single event kill so many people" in one month, said Doctor Miguel Nicolelis, former pandemic response coordinator for Brazil's impoverished northeast. With the southern hemisphere winter approaching and the virus spreading fast, Brazil is facing "a perfect storm," he said. (With inputs from agencies)

Covid in Brazil 'out of control', says the journalist who sued Bolsonaro for derogatory remarks

A cabinet re-shuffle in Brazil has led to the resignation of the country's top military commanders. As allies desert him ahead of an uphill reelection battle in 2022, there is fear that Jair Bolsonaro may abandon the democratic process.

Gravitas: Brazil's Army, Navy & Air force chiefs resign

COVID-19 cases continue to surge in Brazil, the situation is alarming and this explosion in severe cases has now overwhelmed the country's healthcare system.

Increase in COVID-19 cases overwhelm Brazil's healthcare system

Brazil is in the middle of a twin crisis, a pandemic that is claiming more than 3,000 lives every day and an embattled president whose military chiefs have abandoned him.

President Jair Bolsonaro is losing support among his allies and faces an uphill re-election battle next year.

Watch |&nbsp;

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There are worries that Bolsonaro will stack the army and government with loyalists.

And that if the popular vote is against him possibly even can lead to a military takeover.

Our report decodes more about this.&nbsp;

It's no secret that the Brazilian president is a huge fan of former US president Donald Trump.

Not just his politics it seems, but even his television stint.

Trump's "you're fired" line from the celebrity apprentice is Bolsonaro's new favourite.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/military-chiefs-exit-in-new-turmoil-for-bolsonaro-after-cabinet-shake-up-374345">Military chiefs exit in new turmoil for Bolsonaro after Cabinet shake-up</a>

In the last year, the president has booted out three health ministers and on Monday he went on a firing spree as the foreign, defence and justice ministers were shown the door.

His chief of staff, attorney general and government secretary were also sacked.&nbsp;

Bolsonaro has not explained his decision and only the change of guard at the foreign office was expected.&nbsp;

Ousted minister Ernesto Araújo was a serial denier as he denied globalisation, climate change and importing vaccines against Covid-19.

The last one sealed his political fate.

Bolsonaro's plan is to fill the cabinet with his loyalists.

The president's popularity has hit rock bottom with his rhetoric on masks and lockdowns losing currency.

This reshuffle is the wiggle room he needed.&nbsp;

"These changes have two fundamental objectives, which is what it seems so far. To provide a better relationship between the executive and its legislative support base to reduce the pressure that Bolsonaro has suffered in various sectors of society and also from allies in the national congress, " Creomar De Souza, founder of Dharma political risk and strategy, said.&nbsp;

Bolsonaro plans to beat the Wuhan virus with politics.

His hero tried doing the same and ended up losing the White House.

But Bolsonaro still has a card to play: the military.

All three commanders of Brazil's armed forces have resigned, something that has happened for the first time in the country's history.&nbsp;

The president was keen on their support but the military chiefs wanted nothing to do with politics.&nbsp;

Brazil has seen this before from 1964 to 1985, a military regime ruled the country.

Since the return to democracy, the army has cultivated an apolitical image, something Bolsonaro seems intent to shred.&nbsp;

He openly boasts of the army's support, sings praises of the dictatorship and circles back to his career as an army captain.&nbsp;

Everyone in Brazil is thinking about it, but no one is saying it out loud.

<h2>Is military takeover on the cards?</h2>

The vice president says there are zero risks of that, but closer to elections things may change.

Bolsonaro is up for re-election next year and Brazilians are unlikely to forget how their president left them defenceless against the virus.&nbsp;

More than 317,000 have lost their lives due to coronavirus and Most of them could be avoided.&nbsp;

To make matters worse, a political warhorse is back in the fray.

Former president Lula da Silva has clinched a clean chit from the apex court in a corruption trial.

Opinion polls put the two leaders in a dead heat.

Bolsonaro authored the book on how not to handle a pandemic.

But, nothing in his record suggests he will not lead a military takeover.

It would be disastrous for Brazil and for Latin America.&nbsp;

Two years back, Bolsonaro watched on as the Amazon Rainforests burnt and today, he is leading Brazil's democracy into arson. 
&nbsp;

Brazil is in the middle of a twin crisis, a pandemic that is claiming more than 3,000 lives every day and an embattled president whose military chiefs have abandoned him.

Brazil is in the middle of a twin crisis, a pandemic that is claiming more than 3,000 lives every day and an embattled president whose military chiefs have abandoned him. President Jair Bolsonaro is losing support among his allies and faces an uphill re-election battle next year. Watch | There are worries that Bolsonaro will stack the army and government with loyalists. And that if the popular vote is against him possibly even can lead to a military takeover. Our report decodes more about this. It's no secret that the Brazilian president is a huge fan of former US president Donald Trump. Not just his politics it seems, but even his television stint. Trump's "you're fired" line from the celebrity apprentice is Bolsonaro's new favourite. Also read | Military chiefs exit in new turmoil for Bolsonaro after Cabinet shake-up In the last year, the president has booted out three health ministers and on Monday he went on a firing spree as the foreign, defence and justice ministers were shown the door. His chief of staff, attorney general and government secretary were also sacked. Bolsonaro has not explained his decision and only the change of guard at the foreign office was expected. Ousted minister Ernesto Araújo was a serial denier as he denied globalisation, climate change and importing vaccines against Covid-19. The last one sealed his political fate. Bolsonaro's plan is to fill the cabinet with his loyalists. The president's popularity has hit rock bottom with his rhetoric on masks and lockdowns losing currency. This reshuffle is the wiggle room he needed. "These changes have two fundamental objectives, which is what it seems so far. To provide a better relationship between the executive and its legislative support base to reduce the pressure that Bolsonaro has suffered in various sectors of society and also from allies in the national congress, " Creomar De Souza, founder of Dharma political risk and strategy, said. Bolsonaro plans to beat the Wuhan virus with politics. His hero tried doing the same and ended up losing the White House. But Bolsonaro still has a card to play: the military. All three commanders of Brazil's armed forces have resigned, something that has happened for the first time in the country's history. The president was keen on their support but the military chiefs wanted nothing to do with politics. Brazil has seen this before from 1964 to 1985, a military regime ruled the country. Since the return to democracy, the army has cultivated an apolitical image, something Bolsonaro seems intent to shred. He openly boasts of the army's support, sings praises of the dictatorship and circles back to his career as an army captain. Everyone in Brazil is thinking about it, but no one is saying it out loud. Is military takeover on the cards? The vice president says there are zero risks of that, but closer to elections things may change. Bolsonaro is up for re-election next year and Brazilians are unlikely to forget how their president left them defenceless against the virus. More than 317,000 have lost their lives due to coronavirus and Most of them could be avoided. To make matters worse, a political warhorse is back in the fray. Former president Lula da Silva has clinched a clean chit from the apex court in a corruption trial. Opinion polls put the two leaders in a dead heat. Bolsonaro authored the book on how not to handle a pandemic. But, nothing in his record suggests he will not lead a military takeover. It would be disastrous for Brazil and for Latin America. Two years back, Bolsonaro watched on as the Amazon Rainforests burnt and today, he is leading Brazil's democracy into arson.

As Bolsonaro faces heat, threat of military takeover looms

Brazil’s economy added over 400,000 formal jobs in February, the highest monthly figure since the data series began in 1992, led by a surge in the dominant services sector.

World Business Watch: Brazil creates over 400,000 formal jobs in Feb, highest on record

The commanders of Brazil's army, navy and air force will be replaced, the defence ministry said Tuesday, a day after President Jair Bolsonaro overhauled his cabinet with six substitutions, including a new defence minister.

"The decision was communicated in a meeting on Tuesday with incoming defence minister (Walter Souza) Braga Netto and outgoing minister Fernando Azevedo," it said in a brief statement that did not give a reason for their departure.

Amid a slide in his popularity, President Jair Bolsonaro had earlier shaken up the Cabinet, including replacing Brazil's foreign minister,&nbsp;who was widely&nbsp;criticised&nbsp;for an anti-globalism stance and accused by some of aggravating the pandemic by alienating vaccine suppliers.&nbsp;

Bolsonaro tweeted&nbsp;on&nbsp;Monday that he was shifting three other Cabinet ministers to new posts,&nbsp;chief of staff,&nbsp;defence&nbsp;minister and attorney general,&nbsp;and naming a new justice and public security minister and a new government secretary.&nbsp;

But the biggest change was moving&nbsp;Ernesto Araújo&nbsp;out as foreign minister.&nbsp;Ernesto Araújo&nbsp;had most recently been under fire for comments and actions that critics said impeded faster access to coronavirus vaccines as the coronavirus batters Brazil.&nbsp;

It was just the latest Cabinet turmoil for the embattled Bolsonaro. The president in mid-March replaced the health minister, whose tenure coincided with most of Brazil's 314,000 Covid-19 deaths and became the target of fierce criticism. In February, Bolsonaro tapped a retired army general to take over state-run oil behemoth Petrobras, seeking to appeal to his constituency of truck drivers,&nbsp;who had threatened to strike over fuel price increases.&nbsp;

Araújo&nbsp;was subjected to a nearly five-hour Senate hearing last week to defend his ministry's actions during the pandemic. Center-right Sen Tasso&nbsp;Jereissati&nbsp;told the minister that he no longer had the standing to remain in the post and that his exit would end the help end the crisis.&nbsp;

Maurício Santoro, professor of political science and international relations at the University of the State of Rio de Janeiro, said the Senate attacks on&nbsp;Araújo&nbsp;became too overpowering for Bolsonaro to withstand.&nbsp;

"The vaccine issue was the spark that lit the fire,"&nbsp;Santoro said.&nbsp;"The general context is&nbsp;Araújo&nbsp;failed in all the most important tasks he had to do as a minister. Brazil is facing bad political dialogue with its biggest trade partners,&nbsp;China, the US, the EU and Argentina,&nbsp;all for different reasons.&nbsp;

The new foreign minister is Carlos&nbsp;França, who like&nbsp;Araújo&nbsp;is a career diplomat. But unlike&nbsp;Araújo,&nbsp;França&nbsp;isn't a follower of far-right ideologue Olavo de Carvalho, the newspaper O Globo reported. He is an adviser to Bolsonaro and former ceremonial chief at the presidential palace and is considered to be pragmatic rather than ideological.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

The commanders of Brazil's army, navy and air force will be replaced, the defence ministry said Tuesday, a day after President Jair Bolsonaro overhauled his cabinet with six substitutions, including a new defence minister.

The commanders of Brazil's army, navy and air force will be replaced, the defence ministry said Tuesday, a day after President Jair Bolsonaro overhauled his cabinet with six substitutions, including a new defence minister. "The decision was communicated in a meeting on Tuesday with incoming defence minister (Walter Souza) Braga Netto and outgoing minister Fernando Azevedo," it said in a brief statement that did not give a reason for their departure. Amid a slide in his popularity, President Jair Bolsonaro had earlier shaken up the Cabinet, including replacing Brazil's foreign minister, who was widely criticised for an anti-globalism stance and accused by some of aggravating the pandemic by alienating vaccine suppliers. Bolsonaro tweeted on Monday that he was shifting three other Cabinet ministers to new posts, chief of staff, defence minister and attorney general, and naming a new justice and public security minister and a new government secretary. But the biggest change was moving Ernesto Araújo out as foreign minister. Ernesto Araújo had most recently been under fire for comments and actions that critics said impeded faster access to coronavirus vaccines as the coronavirus batters Brazil. It was just the latest Cabinet turmoil for the embattled Bolsonaro. The president in mid-March replaced the health minister, whose tenure coincided with most of Brazil's 314,000 Covid-19 deaths and became the target of fierce criticism. In February, Bolsonaro tapped a retired army general to take over state-run oil behemoth Petrobras, seeking to appeal to his constituency of truck drivers, who had threatened to strike over fuel price increases. Araújo was subjected to a nearly five-hour Senate hearing last week to defend his ministry's actions during the pandemic. Center-right Sen Tasso Jereissati told the minister that he no longer had the standing to remain in the post and that his exit would end the help end the crisis. Maurício Santoro, professor of political science and international relations at the University of the State of Rio de Janeiro, said the Senate attacks on Araújo became too overpowering for Bolsonaro to withstand. "The vaccine issue was the spark that lit the fire," Santoro said. "The general context is Araújo failed in all the most important tasks he had to do as a minister. Brazil is facing bad political dialogue with its biggest trade partners, China, the US, the EU and Argentina, all for different reasons. The new foreign minister is Carlos França, who like Araújo is a career diplomat. But unlike Araújo, França isn't a follower of far-right ideologue Olavo de Carvalho, the newspaper O Globo reported. He is an adviser to Bolsonaro and former ceremonial chief at the presidential palace and is considered to be pragmatic rather than ideological. (With inputs from agencies)

Military chiefs exit in new turmoil for Bolsonaro after Cabinet shake-up

Brazilian Foreign Minister Ernesto Araujo has resigned amid rising criticism over what is perceived to be diplomatic failure to secure coronavirus vaccines as the country is grappling with supply shortages, Sputnik reported citing local media.

According to Brazil`s O Globo newspaper, the minister had notified his staff about the decision and sent a letter of resignation to president Jair Bolsonaro, saying he does not want to create problems for the government. There has been no official confirmation of the fact yet.

The Brazilian parliament has earlier accused Araujo of making political choices that sabotaged Brazil`s vaccine procurement efforts. The news speculated that the former minister`s strong affinity with former US President Donald Trump and harsh remarks against China were part of the reason why the country had little success in securing vaccine shipments.

Brazil is currently facing the biggest crisis since the start of the pandemic. On Saturday, the country registered an all-time high of 3,650 deaths and 100,158 infections. Brazil is now second only to the US in terms of coronavirus cases and fatalities, with a total of over 12.5 million registered infections and over 312,000 confirmed coronavirus-related deaths.

Brazilian Foreign Minister Ernesto Araujo has resigned amid rising criticism over what is perceived to be diplomatic failure to secure coronavirus vaccines as the country is grappling with supply shortages, Sputnik reported citing local media.

Brazilian Foreign Minister Ernesto Araujo has resigned amid rising criticism over what is perceived to be diplomatic failure to secure coronavirus vaccines as the country is grappling with supply shortages, Sputnik reported citing local media. According to Brazil`s O Globo newspaper, the minister had notified his staff about the decision and sent a letter of resignation to president Jair Bolsonaro, saying he does not want to create problems for the government. There has been no official confirmation of the fact yet. The Brazilian parliament has earlier accused Araujo of making political choices that sabotaged Brazil`s vaccine procurement efforts. The news speculated that the former minister`s strong affinity with former US President Donald Trump and harsh remarks against China were part of the reason why the country had little success in securing vaccine shipments. Brazil is currently facing the biggest crisis since the start of the pandemic. On Saturday, the country registered an all-time high of 3,650 deaths and 100,158 infections. Brazil is now second only to the US in terms of coronavirus cases and fatalities, with a total of over 12.5 million registered infections and over 312,000 confirmed coronavirus-related deaths.

Brazilian foreign minister resigns after criticism over vaccine shortage: Report

Peru has recorded 11,260 new Coronavirus cases in a single day. The country is suffering from the spread of a more contagious variant known as P1 which was first identified in Brazil.

Coronavirus Update: Brazilian P1 COVID-19 variant spreads across Peru

Brazil topped 300,000 COVID-19 deaths amid a major shortage of oxygen cylinders and hospital beds. Latin American leaders see red as Bolsonaro continues to reject partial lockdown measures. Has Brazil's pandemic response completely broken down? WION's Palki Sharma gets you a report.

Gravitas: Brazil suffocates as Oxygen cylinders run low

Hospitals in several states of Brazil have reported a critical oxygen stock levels, loans of cylinders and even transfer of patients who require oxygen.

The new wave of Covid-19 has pushed many hospitals to the breaking point, with intensive care beds and oxygen supplies at critically low levels.

The Pan American Health Organization warned Tuesday that the situation in&nbsp;Brazil&nbsp;was "dire," and threatening the rest of the region.

On Wednesday, Brazil hit a single-day record of 3,251 COVID-19 deaths and authorities fear that April could be as grim as March in the country's overwhelmed hospitals.

Brazil has reached 3,00,000 confirmed COVID-19 deaths and become the second nation to top that figure.&nbsp;

Fueling&nbsp;Brazil's deadly outbreak is a more contagious variant of the novel coronavirus, known as P1, which emerged in its northern Amazon region near the end of 2020 and now predominates in much of the country.&nbsp;

Foes and allies alike are pleading with President Jair Bolsonaro&nbsp;to change course to stem a recent surge of daily deaths accounting for almost one-third of the total worldwide.

Bolsonaro, who has declined the coronavirus vaccine, opposes business closures and social distancing measures. A number of state governors, who tightened restrictions last year, have done so again in recent weeks despite the president's protests.&nbsp;

Bolsonaro this month began shifting rhetoric on the value of vaccines but continues to refuse restrictions on activity he paints as infringement on personal freedom and still promotes unproven COVID-19 cures.

He has not offered any update on imminent risks to oxygen supply in several states, dwindling stocks of sedatives for intubating COVID-19 patients, nor whether the federal government will resume timely reimbursements to governors for expanding hospital bed capacity. Among Brazil's 26 states and federal district, 18 are reporting at least 90 per cent intensive care unit occupancy.

Mato Grosso state's health care system already collapsed. Dr. Maria Auxiliadora Rosa, director of the Hospital Evang?lico in the small city Vila Bela, said in a video that went viral on social media that she fears there will be no oxygen for patients by the weekend.

Brazil, a sprawling country of 212 million people, has now administered at least one dose of vaccine to around six percent of its population, but is far off pace to reach its goal of vaccinating all adults by the end of the year.

&nbsp;

Hospitals in several states of Brazil have reported a critical oxygen stock levels, loans of cylinders and even transfer of patients who require oxygen. The new wave of Covid-19 has pushed many hospitals to the breaking point, with intensive care beds and oxygen supplies at critically low levels.

Hospitals in several states of Brazil have reported a critical oxygen stock levels, loans of cylinders and even transfer of patients who require oxygen. The new wave of Covid-19 has pushed many hospitals to the breaking point, with intensive care beds and oxygen supplies at critically low levels. The Pan American Health Organization warned Tuesday that the situation in Brazil was "dire," and threatening the rest of the region. On Wednesday, Brazil hit a single-day record of 3,251 COVID-19 deaths and authorities fear that April could be as grim as March in the country's overwhelmed hospitals. Brazil has reached 3,00,000 confirmed COVID-19 deaths and become the second nation to top that figure. Fueling Brazil's deadly outbreak is a more contagious variant of the novel coronavirus, known as P1, which emerged in its northern Amazon region near the end of 2020 and now predominates in much of the country. Foes and allies alike are pleading with President Jair Bolsonaro to change course to stem a recent surge of daily deaths accounting for almost one-third of the total worldwide. Bolsonaro, who has declined the coronavirus vaccine, opposes business closures and social distancing measures. A number of state governors, who tightened restrictions last year, have done so again in recent weeks despite the president's protests. Bolsonaro this month began shifting rhetoric on the value of vaccines but continues to refuse restrictions on activity he paints as infringement on personal freedom and still promotes unproven COVID-19 cures. He has not offered any update on imminent risks to oxygen supply in several states, dwindling stocks of sedatives for intubating COVID-19 patients, nor whether the federal government will resume timely reimbursements to governors for expanding hospital bed capacity. Among Brazil's 26 states and federal district, 18 are reporting at least 90 per cent intensive care unit occupancy. Mato Grosso state's health care system already collapsed. Dr. Maria Auxiliadora Rosa, director of the Hospital Evang?lico in the small city Vila Bela, said in a video that went viral on social media that she fears there will be no oxygen for patients by the weekend. Brazil, a sprawling country of 212 million people, has now administered at least one dose of vaccine to around six percent of its population, but is far off pace to reach its goal of vaccinating all adults by the end of the year.

Brazil hospitals facing oxygen shortage for COVID patients

Latin America's biggest country has now become the global epicentre of the Coronavirus pandemic. Brazil passing 300,000 Coronavirus deaths.

Coronavirus Update: Brazil's passes 300,000 Coronavirus deaths

Illegal mining, a leading cause of environmental destruction in the Amazon rainforest, expanded 30 percent last year on protected Yanomami indigenous lands, devastating the equivalent of 500 football pitches, a report found Thursday.

The increase brought the total amount of land deforested by illegal miners on the Yanomami's reserve in northern Brazil to 2,400 hectares (nearly 6,000 acres), an area more than seven times the size of New York's Central Park, said the report by two indigenous associations.

Illegal gold and diamond mining are big business in the Amazon, and according to the report only accelerated on Yanomami lands in 2020, when the coronavirus pandemic led environmental authorities to scale back enforcement operations.

"The water is dirty, the river is yellow, everything is riddled with holes. Illegal miners are like pigs," said Yanomami shaman Davi Kopenawa, the head of one of the groups behind the report, the Hutukara Yanomami Association (HAY).

"They come in like hungry animals, looking for the riches of our land. It's expanding very fast. It's arriving right in the heart of Yanomami territory," he said in a statement.

Kopenawa said his community feared a conflict with the miners, who are often armed.

Last June, illegal miners shot dead two young Yanomami men, leading HAY to warn that tensions could escalate into a "cycle of violence."

Last month, miners attacked the indigenous village of Helepe, leading to clashes that left one indigenous man wounded and one miner dead, the group said.

The Yanomami, who are known for their face paint and intricate piercings, were largely isolated from the outside world until the mid-20th century.

They have a history of conflict with illegal miners dating back to the 1970s.

Together with diseases such as measles and malaria, the conflicts decimated the Yanomami population, which numbers around 27,000 today.

Indigenous authorities have also warned there is a danger of illegal miners with Covid-19 infecting members of the Yanomami.&nbsp;

Illegal mining, a leading cause of environmental destruction in the Amazon rainforest, expanded 30 percent last year on protected Yanomami indigenous lands, devastating the equivalent of 500 football pitches, a report found Thursday.

Illegal mining, a leading cause of environmental destruction in the Amazon rainforest, expanded 30 percent last year on protected Yanomami indigenous lands, devastating the equivalent of 500 football pitches, a report found Thursday. The increase brought the total amount of land deforested by illegal miners on the Yanomami's reserve in northern Brazil to 2,400 hectares (nearly 6,000 acres), an area more than seven times the size of New York's Central Park, said the report by two indigenous associations. Illegal gold and diamond mining are big business in the Amazon, and according to the report only accelerated on Yanomami lands in 2020, when the coronavirus pandemic led environmental authorities to scale back enforcement operations. "The water is dirty, the river is yellow, everything is riddled with holes. Illegal miners are like pigs," said Yanomami shaman Davi Kopenawa, the head of one of the groups behind the report, the Hutukara Yanomami Association (HAY). "They come in like hungry animals, looking for the riches of our land. It's expanding very fast. It's arriving right in the heart of Yanomami territory," he said in a statement. Kopenawa said his community feared a conflict with the miners, who are often armed. Last June, illegal miners shot dead two young Yanomami men, leading HAY to warn that tensions could escalate into a "cycle of violence." Last month, miners attacked the indigenous village of Helepe, leading to clashes that left one indigenous man wounded and one miner dead, the group said. The Yanomami, who are known for their face paint and intricate piercings, were largely isolated from the outside world until the mid-20th century. They have a history of conflict with illegal miners dating back to the 1970s. Together with diseases such as measles and malaria, the conflicts decimated the Yanomami population, which numbers around 27,000 today. Indigenous authorities have also warned there is a danger of illegal miners with Covid-19 infecting members of the Yanomami.

Illegal mining surges on Yanomami indigenous land, report says

Despite a months-long rollout of COVID-19 vaccines, the world is in the middle of another wave of infections. Much of Europe is under partial lockdown measures, while in Brazil- President Bolsonaro celebrated his birthday with unmasked supporters. What is causing this latest virus resurgence? WION's Molly Gambhir tells you.

Gravitas: Record surge in COVID-19 cases globally

Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro used his 66th birthday to renew attacks on COVID-19 stay-at-home measures, telling supporters that he would fight for their "freedom."

Brazil Prez Bolsonaro takes birthday swipe at COVID-19 restrictions

Lawyers and human-rights activists warn Brazil is seeing a surge in legal and extra-legal moves to stifle dissent against President Jair Bolsonaro, in some cases with legislation and tactics dating back to the country's 1964-1985 military dictatorship -- for which the president is openly nostalgic.

Police in Brazil have even employed a national security law against his critics, while lawyers and activists rally to provide them with legal help and accuse the government of trying to silence dissent.

On Friday, demonstrators challenged police in the capital by parading with anti-Bolsonaro signs a day after four protesters were detained. They had called the president "genocidal" for his handling of the coronavirus pandemic and displayed a cartoon depicting him as a Nazi. Officers took no action Friday as about 40 people protested for an hour.

The national security law makes it a crime to harm the heads of the three branches of government or expose them to danger. The vague measure has recently been used to detain or investigate Bolsonaro critics.

On several instances, the president has complained that he is being unfairly vilified, most recently Thursday night during a live Facebook broadcast.

"They call me a dictator. I want you to point at one thing I did in two years and two months that was autocratic," he said while complaining about a newspaper column that used the word genocidal to describe him.

Brasilia police said Thursday that the four detained protesters violated the national security law "as they showed a Swastika in association to the symbol of the president of the Republic." But Brazil's federal police force, which decides whether cases brought by local police deserve to go ahead in national security crimes, dismissed the case and released three of the four demonstrators. One was held on an outstanding warrant from a previous case.

The cases appear to almost entirely target Bolsonaro's critics, human rights organisations and activists say.

Federal police have conducted more than 80 investigations under the security law during Bolsonaro's first two years, and more than 10 in the first 45 days of 2021, according to the newspaper O Globo. The yearly average before the conservative leader took office was 11.

Other critics of the president complain of less-official backlash, in the form of "online militias" of Bolsonaro supporters who launch coordinated attacks and smear campaigns against his perceived opponents on social media.

Journalists, artists and scientists have also complained of coordinated attacks by Bolsonaro backers online.

The hate campaigns sometimes spill from the virtual world into real life.

Cardiologist Ludhmila Hajjar, whom Bolsonaro recently interviewed to be his next health minister, received death threats for supporting stay-at-home measures and questioning the use of drugs such as hydroxychloroquine against Covid-19 despite studies finding them ineffective.

When she met Bolsonaro -- himself a one-time user and heavy backer of hydroxychloroquine -- in Brasilia, unknown individuals tried to invade her hotel. She said she ultimately turned down the health minister job, citing "differences" with the president.

(with inputs from agencies)

Lawyers and human-rights activists warn Brazil is seeing a surge in legal and extra-legal moves to stifle dissent against President Jair Bolsonaro, in some cases with legislation and tactics dating back to the country's 1964-1985 military dictatorship -- for which the president is openly nostalgic.

Lawyers and human-rights activists warn Brazil is seeing a surge in legal and extra-legal moves to stifle dissent against President Jair Bolsonaro, in some cases with legislation and tactics dating back to the country's 1964-1985 military dictatorship -- for which the president is openly nostalgic. Police in Brazil have even employed a national security law against his critics, while lawyers and activists rally to provide them with legal help and accuse the government of trying to silence dissent. On Friday, demonstrators challenged police in the capital by parading with anti-Bolsonaro signs a day after four protesters were detained. They had called the president "genocidal" for his handling of the coronavirus pandemic and displayed a cartoon depicting him as a Nazi. Officers took no action Friday as about 40 people protested for an hour. The national security law makes it a crime to harm the heads of the three branches of government or expose them to danger. The vague measure has recently been used to detain or investigate Bolsonaro critics. On several instances, the president has complained that he is being unfairly vilified, most recently Thursday night during a live Facebook broadcast. "They call me a dictator. I want you to point at one thing I did in two years and two months that was autocratic," he said while complaining about a newspaper column that used the word genocidal to describe him. Brasilia police said Thursday that the four detained protesters violated the national security law "as they showed a Swastika in association to the symbol of the president of the Republic." But Brazil's federal police force, which decides whether cases brought by local police deserve to go ahead in national security crimes, dismissed the case and released three of the four demonstrators. One was held on an outstanding warrant from a previous case. The cases appear to almost entirely target Bolsonaro's critics, human rights organisations and activists say. Federal police have conducted more than 80 investigations under the security law during Bolsonaro's first two years, and more than 10 in the first 45 days of 2021, according to the newspaper O Globo. The yearly average before the conservative leader took office was 11. Other critics of the president complain of less-official backlash, in the form of "online militias" of Bolsonaro supporters who launch coordinated attacks and smear campaigns against his perceived opponents on social media. Journalists, artists and scientists have also complained of coordinated attacks by Bolsonaro backers online. The hate campaigns sometimes spill from the virtual world into real life. Cardiologist Ludhmila Hajjar, whom Bolsonaro recently interviewed to be his next health minister, received death threats for supporting stay-at-home measures and questioning the use of drugs such as hydroxychloroquine against Covid-19 despite studies finding them ineffective. When she met Bolsonaro -- himself a one-time user and heavy backer of hydroxychloroquine -- in Brasilia, unknown individuals tried to invade her hotel. She said she ultimately turned down the health minister job, citing "differences" with the president. (with inputs from agencies)

Bolsonaro critics targetted in intimidation campaign in Brazil

Brazil’s healthcare system is in its most severe crisis -- doctors are overwhelmed and patients are dying while they wait for intensive care beds in the wake of rising number of coronavirus cases in the country.

The South American country is struggling to contain a surge of Covid-19 that has pushed hospitals in many areas to the brink of collapse.

All this while the country's Covid-sceptic president, Jair Bolsonaro, continues to spurn calls for a lockdown that would save lives.

It is being reported that the Covid intensive care units in virtually all of Brazil’s 26 states and the federal district containing the capital, Brasília, are now either at, or perilously close to capacity.

Brazil has registered nearly 12 million cases since the pandemic began, while the official death toll has risen to 292,752, second only to the US. It recorded 79,069 additional confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus in the past 24 hours, along with 2,438 deaths from COVID-19, the Health Ministry said on Saturday.

Hard-hit Brazil has been struggling to secure enough vaccines for its 212 million people. It has so far issued at least one dose of vaccine to around 5.4 percent of the population -- far off pace to reach the health ministry's target of vaccinating all adults by the end of the year.

To this end, authorities said Saturday they were in talks with the United States to import Covid-19 vaccines that Washington is not currently using and has already vowed to share with Mexico and Canada.

The statement from the Brazilian foreign ministry came two days after the White House announced plans to send the US neighbors millions of doses of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine, which is still awaiting regulatory approval in the United States.

The US, which has stockpiled a total of seven million doses of the two-dose vaccine, will send 2.5 million to Mexico and 1.5 million to Canada, said White House press secretary Jen Psaki. Brazil appeared to be referring to the same stockpile.

"Since March 13, the Brazilian government... has been negotiating with the US government to make it possible for Brazil to import vaccines from the surplus available in the United States," the foreign ministry said in a Tweet.&nbsp;

Brazil is currently using both the AstraZeneca vaccine -- recently given fresh stamps of approval from European regulators and the World Health Organization, following concerns over possible side effects -- and Chinese-developed CoronaVac.

(with inputs from agencies)

Brazil’s healthcare system is in its most severe crisis -- doctors are overwhelmed and patients are dying while they wait for intensive care beds in the wake of rising number of coronavirus cases in the country.

Brazil’s healthcare system is in its most severe crisis -- doctors are overwhelmed and patients are dying while they wait for intensive care beds in the wake of rising number of coronavirus cases in the country. The South American country is struggling to contain a surge of Covid-19 that has pushed hospitals in many areas to the brink of collapse. All this while the country's Covid-sceptic president, Jair Bolsonaro, continues to spurn calls for a lockdown that would save lives. It is being reported that the Covid intensive care units in virtually all of Brazil’s 26 states and the federal district containing the capital, Brasília, are now either at, or perilously close to capacity. Brazil has registered nearly 12 million cases since the pandemic began, while the official death toll has risen to 292,752, second only to the US. It recorded 79,069 additional confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus in the past 24 hours, along with 2,438 deaths from COVID-19, the Health Ministry said on Saturday. Hard-hit Brazil has been struggling to secure enough vaccines for its 212 million people. It has so far issued at least one dose of vaccine to around 5.4 percent of the population -- far off pace to reach the health ministry's target of vaccinating all adults by the end of the year. To this end, authorities said Saturday they were in talks with the United States to import Covid-19 vaccines that Washington is not currently using and has already vowed to share with Mexico and Canada. The statement from the Brazilian foreign ministry came two days after the White House announced plans to send the US neighbors millions of doses of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine, which is still awaiting regulatory approval in the United States. The US, which has stockpiled a total of seven million doses of the two-dose vaccine, will send 2.5 million to Mexico and 1.5 million to Canada, said White House press secretary Jen Psaki. Brazil appeared to be referring to the same stockpile. "Since March 13, the Brazilian government... has been negotiating with the US government to make it possible for Brazil to import vaccines from the surplus available in the United States," the foreign ministry said in a Tweet. Brazil is currently using both the AstraZeneca vaccine -- recently given fresh stamps of approval from European regulators and the World Health Organization, following concerns over possible side effects -- and Chinese-developed CoronaVac. (with inputs from agencies)

Brazil stares into the abyss as Covid-19 surge pushes hospitals to brink of collapse

Brazil's incoming health minister vowed Wednesday to implement science-based policies against COVID-19 and said he may make "adjustments" to far-right President Jair Bolsonaro's widely criticized management of the pandemic.

Bolsonaro, who has defied expert advice on handling the new coronavirus, is facing pressure to contain an explosion of cases that is pushing&nbsp;Brazil's hospitals to the brink and threatening his own chances at re-election next year.

In a change of course, the president named respected cardiologist Marcelo Queiroga as his new health minister Monday, replacing Eduardo Pazuello, an army general with no prior medical experience.

Queiroga, who will be Bolsonaro's fourth health minister of the crisis, hinted at a policy rethink in the administration.

"We plan to reduce the number of deaths with two main points: social distancing policies to reduce the spread of the virus, and expanding our hospitals' capacity," he told a news conference, speaking alongside the outgoing minister.

Brazil&nbsp;is currently going through its worst weeks of the pandemic.

It registered a new 24-hour record of 2,841 deaths Tuesday, bringing the number of people killed by COVID-19 in the country to more than 282,000 -- second only to the United States.

Queiroga, 55, called for "unity" among Brazilians, who are deeply divided over Bolsonaro's attacks on stay-at-home measures, face masks and vaccines.

The new minister said the president had promised him "autonomy" on pandemic policy.

"We will make the necessary adjustments when the time is right," he said, speaking at the ceremonial delivery of 500,000 doses of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine.

"We believe in research, in science."

Bolsonaro has seen his disapproval ratings rise as the pandemic continues to hammer the country of 212 million people.

A new poll from Datafolha found 54 percent of Brazilians consider his handling of the pandemic bad or terrible, while 56 percent said he was not fit to lead the country -- up six points from January.

The director of the Pan American Health Organization, Carissa Etienne, called the recent surge in cases and deaths in&nbsp;Brazil&nbsp;troubling.

"The situation in&nbsp;Brazil&nbsp;is a cautionary tale that keeping this virus under control requires continuous attention by public health authorities and leaders to protect people and health systems alike from the devastating impact of this virus," she said.

Brazil's incoming health minister vowed Wednesday to implement science-based policies against COVID-19 and said he may make "adjustments" to far-right President Jair Bolsonaro's widely criticized management of the pandemic.

Brazil's incoming health minister vowed Wednesday to implement science-based policies against COVID-19 and said he may make "adjustments" to far-right President Jair Bolsonaro's widely criticized management of the pandemic. Bolsonaro, who has defied expert advice on handling the new coronavirus, is facing pressure to contain an explosion of cases that is pushing Brazil's hospitals to the brink and threatening his own chances at re-election next year. In a change of course, the president named respected cardiologist Marcelo Queiroga as his new health minister Monday, replacing Eduardo Pazuello, an army general with no prior medical experience. Queiroga, who will be Bolsonaro's fourth health minister of the crisis, hinted at a policy rethink in the administration. "We plan to reduce the number of deaths with two main points: social distancing policies to reduce the spread of the virus, and expanding our hospitals' capacity," he told a news conference, speaking alongside the outgoing minister. Brazil is currently going through its worst weeks of the pandemic. It registered a new 24-hour record of 2,841 deaths Tuesday, bringing the number of people killed by COVID-19 in the country to more than 282,000 -- second only to the United States. Queiroga, 55, called for "unity" among Brazilians, who are deeply divided over Bolsonaro's attacks on stay-at-home measures, face masks and vaccines. The new minister said the president had promised him "autonomy" on pandemic policy. "We will make the necessary adjustments when the time is right," he said, speaking at the ceremonial delivery of 500,000 doses of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine. "We believe in research, in science." Bolsonaro has seen his disapproval ratings rise as the pandemic continues to hammer the country of 212 million people. A new poll from Datafolha found 54 percent of Brazilians consider his handling of the pandemic bad or terrible, while 56 percent said he was not fit to lead the country -- up six points from January. The director of the Pan American Health Organization, Carissa Etienne, called the recent surge in cases and deaths in Brazil troubling. "The situation in Brazil is a cautionary tale that keeping this virus under control requires continuous attention by public health authorities and leaders to protect people and health systems alike from the devastating impact of this virus," she said.

Brazil health minister vows to implement 'science-based' policies against COVID-19

Russia condemned the US for pressurizing Brazil to reject its Sputnik V COVID-19 vaccine. The US said that it has never discouraged Brazil from accepting Russia's vaccines.

Your Story: Russia blasts US for pressing Brazil to refuse its COVID-19 vaccine

Amid a surge in coronavirus cases, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/philippines-detects-brazil-covid-19-variant-as-cases-surge-370178">Brazil's</a> neighbouring countries have begun restricting travel to the prominent Latin American country as it battles the virus.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/coronavirus-update-covid-19-surge-reaches-new-level-in-brazil-369880/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Colombia has halted passenger flights to Brazil, while&nbsp;Argentina has decided to cut air travel to its neighbour.&nbsp;

Peru had banned air traffic from Brazil as Manaus, an Amazon rainforest city, suffered the second wave of infections amid reports of other Amazon region being adversely affected by the virus. The existence of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brazil-suffers-worst-run-of-daily-deaths-since-coronavirus-pandemic-began-370102">Brazilian </a>variant&nbsp;of the virus has made matters worse.

Amid the surge in cases, Brazil ordered 100 million doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine and another 38 million of Johnson &amp; Johnson jabs as ex-health minister Eduardo Pazuello had asserted that the country had secured 563 million doses by the end of the year.

President Jair&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brazil-records-over-2000-covid-19-deaths-as-lula-attacks-bolsonaro-369593">Bolsonaro</a>&nbsp;has been battling the surge in cases as Brazil has become the second worst-hit&nbsp;country after the United States, with over 11.5 million infections and over 279,280 deaths.

Bolsonaro on Monday announced that he will appoint cardiologist Marcelo Queiroga as health minister, the fourth to hold the post during the pandemic.

"The conversation (with Queiroga) was excellent," Bolsonaro said. "He has everything in my opinion to do a good job, giving continuity in everything Pazuello did until today," the Brazilian president added, even as he faces harsh criticism for handling the pandemic and earlier denials of the severity of the crisis.

"From now on, we are going to a more aggressive phase regarding the fight against the virus," Bolsonaro said.

Brazil has been hit by a second wave with over 1,800 deaths per day on average, up from 703 at the beginning of the year with the new strain adding to pressure on health services.

The country has granted full regulatory approval to the AstraZeneca vaccine even as &nbsp;Denmark, Norway, Bulgaria and Thailand have suspended the use of the vaccine.

The Bolsonaro government has also announced the purchase of 10 million doses of Russia's Sputnik V in its attempt to combat the virus.

Amid a surge in coronavirus cases, Brazil's neighbouring countries have begun restricting travel to the prominent Latin American country as it battles the virus.

Amid a surge in coronavirus cases, Brazil's neighbouring countries have begun restricting travel to the prominent Latin American country as it battles the virus. Watch: Colombia has halted passenger flights to Brazil, while Argentina has decided to cut air travel to its neighbour. Peru had banned air traffic from Brazil as Manaus, an Amazon rainforest city, suffered the second wave of infections amid reports of other Amazon region being adversely affected by the virus. The existence of the Brazilian variant of the virus has made matters worse. Amid the surge in cases, Brazil ordered 100 million doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine and another 38 million of Johnson & Johnson jabs as ex-health minister Eduardo Pazuello had asserted that the country had secured 563 million doses by the end of the year. President Jair Bolsonaro has been battling the surge in cases as Brazil has become the second worst-hit country after the United States, with over 11.5 million infections and over 279,280 deaths. Bolsonaro on Monday announced that he will appoint cardiologist Marcelo Queiroga as health minister, the fourth to hold the post during the pandemic. "The conversation (with Queiroga) was excellent," Bolsonaro said. "He has everything in my opinion to do a good job, giving continuity in everything Pazuello did until today," the Brazilian president added, even as he faces harsh criticism for handling the pandemic and earlier denials of the severity of the crisis. "From now on, we are going to a more aggressive phase regarding the fight against the virus," Bolsonaro said. Brazil has been hit by a second wave with over 1,800 deaths per day on average, up from 703 at the beginning of the year with the new strain adding to pressure on health services. The country has granted full regulatory approval to the AstraZeneca vaccine even as Denmark, Norway, Bulgaria and Thailand have suspended the use of the vaccine. The Bolsonaro government has also announced the purchase of 10 million doses of Russia's Sputnik V in its attempt to combat the virus.

Amid surge in COVID-19, Brazil's neighbours limit travel to virus-hit country

Brazil reported 2,216 COVID-19 deaths in the last 24 hours, the third day in a row that fatalities exceeded 2,000 in the worst run of deaths since the pandemic began a year ago.

The health ministry also reported 85,663 new coronavirus infections, its second highest number for one day, as the pandemic surges in South American country driven by a highly contagious new local variant.

The World Health Organization said the state of the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil is very concerning and serious action needs to be taken.

Brazil has now registered 11,363,380 cases in all, passing India as the country with the second worst outbreak.

The official death toll has risen to 275,105 in the world`s second-deadliest outbreak outside the United States.

On Wednesday, Brazil had a record toll of 2,286 dead, followed on Thursday by 2,233 more deaths, the health ministry said.

Far-right President Jair Bolsonaro, who has minimized the gravity of the virus and said he will not have a vaccination, is facing mounting criticism for failing to secure a timely supply of doses for the populace, with less than 3% vaccinated so far.

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said on Friday that everyone in Brazil should take the situation seriously, adding that neighboring countries could be affected.

"Unless serious measures are taken the upward trend now flooding the health system and becoming more than its capacity will result in more deaths," he said at a news conference in Geneva.

Brazil reported 2,216 COVID-19 deaths in the last 24 hours, the third day in a row that fatalities exceeded 2,000 in the worst run of deaths since the pandemic began a year ago.

Brazil reported 2,216 COVID-19 deaths in the last 24 hours, the third day in a row that fatalities exceeded 2,000 in the worst run of deaths since the pandemic began a year ago. The health ministry also reported 85,663 new coronavirus infections, its second highest number for one day, as the pandemic surges in South American country driven by a highly contagious new local variant. The World Health Organization said the state of the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil is very concerning and serious action needs to be taken. Brazil has now registered 11,363,380 cases in all, passing India as the country with the second worst outbreak. The official death toll has risen to 275,105 in the world`s second-deadliest outbreak outside the United States. On Wednesday, Brazil had a record toll of 2,286 dead, followed on Thursday by 2,233 more deaths, the health ministry said. Far-right President Jair Bolsonaro, who has minimized the gravity of the virus and said he will not have a vaccination, is facing mounting criticism for failing to secure a timely supply of doses for the populace, with less than 3% vaccinated so far. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said on Friday that everyone in Brazil should take the situation seriously, adding that neighboring countries could be affected. "Unless serious measures are taken the upward trend now flooding the health system and becoming more than its capacity will result in more deaths," he said at a news conference in Geneva.

Brazil suffers worst run of daily deaths since coronavirus pandemic began

Brazil's COVID-19 graph has been raising again with things taking a turn for the worst. The second wave of COVID-19 is ripping through Brazil, pushing hospitals and ICU's towards a collapse and claiming record numbers of daily deaths.

Coronavirus Update: COVID-19 surge reaches new level in Brazil

Lula, whose corruption convictions were overturned by a Supreme Court justice on Monday allowing him to return to political office, said he had not decided whether to run in next years election.

'Many deaths could have been avoided', Lula takes aim at Bolsonaro

Brazil registered 1,972 new COVID-19 related deaths in a single day on Tuesday. The country had the world's second-highest death toll due to Coronavirus only behind the United States of America.

Brazil posts new record of 1,972 COVID related deaths in a single day

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