Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro and a high-ranking health official said on Wednesday the federal government will not buy a COVID-19 vaccine from China's Sinovac, one day after the Health Minister said it would be included in the nation's immunization program.

Bolsonaro drops plans to buy Chinese vaccine: Says, 'Its expensive and unscientific'

After emerging last year in China which was then followed by a massive loss of lives across the globe, the novel coronavirus has crossed another grim milestone with the confirmed infections surpassing 40 million on Monday.

Covid-19 has caused 40,000,234 infections and 1,113,896 fatalities worldwide, according to an AFP tally compiled on official figures.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-over-55000-cases-reported-total-infections-cross-75-million-mark-336336">India: Over 55,000 cases reported; total infections cross 7.5 million-mark</a>

More than 50 per cent of the infections are from the three worst-hit countries: the United States with 8,154,935 cases, India with 7,550,273 and Brazil 5,235,344.

The deadly virus which was detected in China last year has also recorded the highest-ever 2.5 million cases in the last seven days.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, on Sunday, figures confirmed that more than 250,000 people have died in Europe of Covid-19 as the continent battles a second wave of the deadly virus.

Countries like Britain, France have reimposed strong measures to curb the spread of Covid-19 as the fear of rising cases putting stress on the medical system grows.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

After emerging last year in China which was then followed by a massive loss of lives across the globe, the novel coronavirus has crossed another grim milestone with the confirmed infections surpassing 40 million on Monday.

After emerging last year in China which was then followed by a massive loss of lives across the globe, the novel coronavirus has crossed another grim milestone with the confirmed infections surpassing 40 million on Monday. Covid-19 has caused 40,000,234 infections and 1,113,896 fatalities worldwide, according to an AFP tally compiled on official figures. Also read | India: Over 55,000 cases reported; total infections cross 7.5 million-mark More than 50 per cent of the infections are from the three worst-hit countries: the United States with 8,154,935 cases, India with 7,550,273 and Brazil 5,235,344. The deadly virus which was detected in China last year has also recorded the highest-ever 2.5 million cases in the last seven days. Meanwhile, on Sunday, figures confirmed that more than 250,000 people have died in Europe of Covid-19 as the continent battles a second wave of the deadly virus. Countries like Britain, France have reimposed strong measures to curb the spread of Covid-19 as the fear of rising cases putting stress on the medical system grows.

Coronavirus: Worldwide cases surpass 40 million; more than 50% cases from US, India and Brazil

In another major embarassment to Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro who regards himself as an anti-corruption crusader, one of his allies was caught hiding money in his buttocks during a police investigation, local media reports said on Thursday.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brazil-does-not-accept-bribes-bolsonaro-slams-biden-for-offering-help-for-amazon-331665">'Brazil does not accept bribes': Bolsonaro slams Biden for offering help for Amazon</a>&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

The home of Chico Rodrigues, Bolsonaro's deputy leader in the Senate, was raided as part of a corruption investigation into the diversion of government funds for tackling coronavirus pandemic in the northern state of Roraima on Wednesday.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brazil-bolsonaros-government-triggers-alarm-after-revoking-mangrove-protections-331052">Brazil: Bolsonaro's government triggers alarm after revoking mangrove protections</a>

Federal officers recovered 30,000 reales ($5,300) in cash, part of which was found in Rodrigues underwear, including "between his buttocks", said major Brazilian news outlets, including O Globo, Folha de S. Paulo and Estadao. &nbsp;

Revista Crusoé, a Brazilian magazine reported the situation was so "preposterous" that some of the recovered money was "stained with faeces.

Rodrigues, in a statement, did not mention of any cash that was confiscated and denied any wrongdoing.&nbsp;

He said his home had been "invaded just for doing my job as a legislator".&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Bolsonaro accused media of using this story to describe his government as corrupt.

"This operation is a typical example that there's no corruption in my government, that we're tackling corruption no matter who it is," the Brazilian president said.

#PropinaNaBunda was trending in Brazil, which means a bribe up the bum which was used by the Brazilians to share the news.&nbsp;

Several people also wrote that the incident would be remembered "in the anals of history". &nbsp; 
&nbsp;

In another major embarassment to Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro who regards himself as an anti-corruption crusader, one of his allies was caught hiding money in his buttocks during a police investigation, local media reports said on Thursday.

In another major embarassment to Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro who regards himself as an anti-corruption crusader, one of his allies was caught hiding money in his buttocks during a police investigation, local media reports said on Thursday. Also read | 'Brazil does not accept bribes': Bolsonaro slams Biden for offering help for Amazon The home of Chico Rodrigues, Bolsonaro's deputy leader in the Senate, was raided as part of a corruption investigation into the diversion of government funds for tackling coronavirus pandemic in the northern state of Roraima on Wednesday. Also read | Brazil: Bolsonaro's government triggers alarm after revoking mangrove protections Federal officers recovered 30,000 reales ($5,300) in cash, part of which was found in Rodrigues underwear, including "between his buttocks", said major Brazilian news outlets, including O Globo, Folha de S. Paulo and Estadao. Revista Crusoé, a Brazilian magazine reported the situation was so "preposterous" that some of the recovered money was "stained with faeces. Rodrigues, in a statement, did not mention of any cash that was confiscated and denied any wrongdoing. He said his home had been "invaded just for doing my job as a legislator". Meanwhile, Bolsonaro accused media of using this story to describe his government as corrupt. "This operation is a typical example that there's no corruption in my government, that we're tackling corruption no matter who it is," the Brazilian president said. #PropinaNaBunda was trending in Brazil, which means a bribe up the bum which was used by the Brazilians to share the news. Several people also wrote that the incident would be remembered "in the anals of history".

Brazil: Police recover cash hidden 'between buttocks' of Jair Bolsonaro's ally

A Brazilian senator allied to far-right President Jair Bolsonaro, Chico Rodrigues was caught hiding money in his underwear during a police investigation into the diversion of public funds for fighting the coronavirus.

Brazilian senator hides cash between his buttocks

An innovative burn treatment that uses fish skin is helping to heal animals who have fallen victim to the fires in the Brazilian wetlands. The technique developed by researchers at the Federal University of Ceara uses a dehydrated and sterilized tilapia skin on burn wounds.

Tilapia skin helps to heal wild animals, victims of fires in Brazil

Coronavirus cases in Brazil cross the 5 million mark with the country being the third most affected nation. Watch report.

WION Dispatch: Brazilian economy reeling under the pandemic, unemployment  at high

Brazil records nearly 150,000 deaths: Brazilians flocks crowded beach, bars

Brazil managed to alleviate poverty with emergency payments during the Covid-19 pandemic, but if government income support efforts are not continued 15 million Brazilians will be thrown back into dire poverty come January, an economist warned on Thursday.

Extension of the generous subsidies is stalled in Congress and faces some opposition from within the government whose economic policy team worries about an uncontrolled budget deficit.

“We’re between a rock and a hard place,” economist Marcelo Neri, head of social policies at the FGV higher education think tank in Rio de Janeiro, told Reuters.

An FGV study published on Thursday said the number of poor Brazilians, those that earn less than half of a minimum wage, or 515 reais ($92) per month, fell 23.7% to a new low of 50 million people thanks to the monthly payments that started at 600 reais, but have now been cut to 300 reais and expire on Dec. 31.

Far-right President Jair Bolsonaro, whose popularity has risen thanks to the hand-outs, is scrambling to find a way to maintain payments, but there is no way to fund them without breaking a constitutional spending cap and worsening a run-away budget deficit.

Brazil was more generous than other Latin American nations with its poor during the pandemic even though its fiscal situation was worse; although Economy Minister Paulo Guedes was trying to keep his fiscal austerity drive on track, Neri said.

“Guedes turned out to be a surprisingly generous manager of Keynesian policies. Now, we have to continue being half Keynesian, but we don’t have the money,” Neri said.

Brazil, which had seen large-scale capital flight from the Sao Paulo stock market earlier this year, risks rattling investors further if it boosts spending too much in 2021, the Princeton University-trained economist warned.

The COVID-19 payments will have cost the Treasury 321.8 billion reais ($57.6 billion) by year’s end.

A member of the congressional joint budget committee, Senator Ney Suassuna, told Reuters there was no consensus on how to pay for income support next year even as the pandemic crisis is expected to continue with scant improvement of the labor market.

Like in most of Latin America, the pandemic has reduced the size of the traditional middle class, with 4.8 million Brazilians slipping down due to lost income, Neri said.

Millions of middle class Latin Americans are being dragged into poverty by the COVID-19 outbreak, which has hit the region’s labor market harder than elsewhere in the world. Poverty is set to surge back to 2005 levels in Latin America.

“It’s a terrible anguish, to get to my age ... to have brought up two sons, and today I have no way to look after myself,” said Maria Lucia Spolzino Porto, an unemployed mother who moved in with her adult son. “I don’t have a house, I don’t have a job. I live from the help my son is giving today.”&nbsp;

Brazil managed to alleviate poverty with emergency payments during the Covid-19 pandemic, but if government income support efforts are not continued 15 million Brazilians will be thrown back into dire poverty come January, an economist warned on Thursday.

Brazil managed to alleviate poverty with emergency payments during the Covid-19 pandemic, but if government income support efforts are not continued 15 million Brazilians will be thrown back into dire poverty come January, an economist warned on Thursday. Extension of the generous subsidies is stalled in Congress and faces some opposition from within the government whose economic policy team worries about an uncontrolled budget deficit. “We’re between a rock and a hard place,” economist Marcelo Neri, head of social policies at the FGV higher education think tank in Rio de Janeiro, told Reuters. An FGV study published on Thursday said the number of poor Brazilians, those that earn less than half of a minimum wage, or 515 reais ($92) per month, fell 23.7% to a new low of 50 million people thanks to the monthly payments that started at 600 reais, but have now been cut to 300 reais and expire on Dec. 31. Far-right President Jair Bolsonaro, whose popularity has risen thanks to the hand-outs, is scrambling to find a way to maintain payments, but there is no way to fund them without breaking a constitutional spending cap and worsening a run-away budget deficit. Brazil was more generous than other Latin American nations with its poor during the pandemic even though its fiscal situation was worse; although Economy Minister Paulo Guedes was trying to keep his fiscal austerity drive on track, Neri said. “Guedes turned out to be a surprisingly generous manager of Keynesian policies. Now, we have to continue being half Keynesian, but we don’t have the money,” Neri said. Brazil, which had seen large-scale capital flight from the Sao Paulo stock market earlier this year, risks rattling investors further if it boosts spending too much in 2021, the Princeton University-trained economist warned. The COVID-19 payments will have cost the Treasury 321.8 billion reais ($57.6 billion) by year’s end. A member of the congressional joint budget committee, Senator Ney Suassuna, told Reuters there was no consensus on how to pay for income support next year even as the pandemic crisis is expected to continue with scant improvement of the labor market. Like in most of Latin America, the pandemic has reduced the size of the traditional middle class, with 4.8 million Brazilians slipping down due to lost income, Neri said. Millions of middle class Latin Americans are being dragged into poverty by the COVID-19 outbreak, which has hit the region’s labor market harder than elsewhere in the world. Poverty is set to surge back to 2005 levels in Latin America. “It’s a terrible anguish, to get to my age ... to have brought up two sons, and today I have no way to look after myself,” said Maria Lucia Spolzino Porto, an unemployed mother who moved in with her adult son. “I don’t have a house, I don’t have a job. I live from the help my son is giving today.”

Millions of Brazilians face dire poverty if Covid-19 emergency payments stop

The show must go on in Rio de Janeiro. Cinema lovers are finally returning to theatres as their doors reopened to Cariocas on Thursday (October 1) after seven long months of lockdown.

Lights, camera, face masks; Rio's cinemas re-open after tough Brazil lockdown

A team of researchers from Brazil,US, and UK has conducted a study showing that herd immunity played a significant role in determining the size of theCOVID-19 epidemic in Manaus, Brazil.

Your Story: COVID-19 case surge in in Brazilian city of Manaus despite 'Herd Immunity'

Samba schools in Rio de Janeiro decided on Thursday (September 24) to delay Brazil's most famous Carnival parade that would normally have been held in February 2021, as the country grapples with the second-deadliest coronavirus outbreak in the world.

Rio de Janeiro samba schools delay 2021 Carnival parade over coronavirus

Pantanal in Brazil is the world's largest wetland, it is also the world's largest biologically diverse part. But, the Pantanal this year has been ravaged by enormous & unprecedented fires. Watch the report to know what's causing these fires and how has the Brazilian president Bolsonaro responded to this crisis?

Brazil: President Jair Bolsonaro deflects blame for Pantanal fires

As fires in Brazil's Pantanal region consume thousands of acres of the world's largest wetland and threaten endangered species, volunteers and veterinarians are racing to save and feed the area's wildlife.

Your Story: Jair Bolsonaro deflects blame for fires

Volkswagen said Wednesday it had signed a deal with prosecutors to compensate former workers at the company's Brazil unit for rights violations committed during the South American country's military dictatorship.

Former workers and their families sued the German carmaker five years ago, alleging its Brazilian security office had collaborated with the military regime (1964-1985) to identify suspected opponents, who were then detained and tortured.

Under the deal with state and federal prosecutors in Brazil, VW will pay 36 million reais (5.5 million euros, $6.4 million) in compensation, including 16.8 million reais for workers and their families, plus donations to various projects including a memorial for victims of the regime, it said in a statement.

"We regret the violations that occurred in the past. For Volkswagen, it is important to deal responsibly with this negative chapter in Brazil's history and promote transparency," VW executive Hiltrud Werner said in the statement.

An independent review commissioned by the company in 2016 had found that security agents at Volkswagen do Brasil had cooperated with the military regime.

Brazil is still coming to terms with the abuses committed by the regime, which was responsible for the murder or disappearance of at least 434 people, according to the National Truth Commission established to investigate dictatorship-era crimes.

An estimated 20,000 people were tortured.

Current President Jair Bolsonaro, an army captain at the time, is an open admirer of the dictatorship.

The far-right leader has triggered controversy by saying the regime's mistake was torturing rather than killing its opponents, and reinstating commemorations of the 1964 coup that installed it.

Volkswagen said Wednesday it had signed a deal with prosecutors to compensate former workers at the company's Brazil unit for rights violations committed during the South American country's military dictatorship.

Volkswagen said Wednesday it had signed a deal with prosecutors to compensate former workers at the company's Brazil unit for rights violations committed during the South American country's military dictatorship. Former workers and their families sued the German carmaker five years ago, alleging its Brazilian security office had collaborated with the military regime (1964-1985) to identify suspected opponents, who were then detained and tortured. Under the deal with state and federal prosecutors in Brazil, VW will pay 36 million reais (5.5 million euros, $6.4 million) in compensation, including 16.8 million reais for workers and their families, plus donations to various projects including a memorial for victims of the regime, it said in a statement. "We regret the violations that occurred in the past. For Volkswagen, it is important to deal responsibly with this negative chapter in Brazil's history and promote transparency," VW executive Hiltrud Werner said in the statement. An independent review commissioned by the company in 2016 had found that security agents at Volkswagen do Brasil had cooperated with the military regime. Brazil is still coming to terms with the abuses committed by the regime, which was responsible for the murder or disappearance of at least 434 people, according to the National Truth Commission established to investigate dictatorship-era crimes. An estimated 20,000 people were tortured. Current President Jair Bolsonaro, an army captain at the time, is an open admirer of the dictatorship. The far-right leader has triggered controversy by saying the regime's mistake was torturing rather than killing its opponents, and reinstating commemorations of the 1964 coup that installed it.

Volkswagen to compensate Brazil dictatorship victims

Brazil is home to the world's largest rainforest- The Amazon. It is also home to the World's largest tropical wetland- The Pantanal. Both are on fire. But Brazil's President Bolsonaro wants credit for preserving the environment. WION's Palki Sharma has a report.

Gravitas: As Amazon forest burns, Bolsonaro wants credit for 'saving environment'

Brazil is a home to the Amazon & Pantanal, both are on fire. But Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro wants credit for preserving the environment.

Bolsonaro lauds himself for 'preserving environment' amid wildfires continues across Brazil

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro on Wednesday has given the charge of the health ministry to an army general with no prior medical experience.&nbsp;

General Eduardo Pazuello is the country's new health minister four months after working as an interim following a series of resignations by his predecessors over differences with Bolsonaro.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brazil-president-bolsonaro-says-covid-19-vaccinations-will-not-be-mandatory-325087">Brazil President Bolsonaro says COVID-19 vaccinations will not be mandatory</a>

With this latest move, Bolsonaro, a military veteran himself, has 11 officers from the forces in the 21-member cabinet.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brazil-teachers-of-rio-de-janeiro-protest-over-resumption-of-face-to-face-classes-327423">Brazil: Teachers of Rio de Janeiro protest over resumption of face-to-face classes</a>

Pazuello has endorsed the Brazilian president's views on the pandemic, including recommending hydroxychloroquine as a treatment to COVID-19 despite a lack of evidence to back the claim.&nbsp;

"We had to learn on the job, change the wheel on the car while it was moving. The responsibility was enormous, but we had total freedom to implement the necessary measures," Pazuello said at the swearing-in event held in Brasilia, as quoted by news agency AFP.&nbsp;

Months ago when the pandemic condition started worsening in the Latin American nation, health ministers Luiz Henrique Mandetta and Nelson Teich resigned, rejecting Bolsonaro's approach to handle the deadly outbreak.&nbsp;

With the death of over 134,000 people, Brazil has second-largest death toll worldwide and the only country after the US to record over 100,000 fatalities.&nbsp;

The country also has about 4.5 million coronavirus cases, making it the third-worst affected after the US and India.&nbsp;

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro on Wednesday has given the charge of the health ministry to an army general with no prior medical experience. General Eduardo Pazuello is the country's new health minister four months after working as an interim following a series of resignations by his predecessors over differences with Bolsonaro.

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro on Wednesday has given the charge of the health ministry to an army general with no prior medical experience. General Eduardo Pazuello is the country's new health minister four months after working as an interim following a series of resignations by his predecessors over differences with Bolsonaro. Also read | Brazil President Bolsonaro says COVID-19 vaccinations will not be mandatory With this latest move, Bolsonaro, a military veteran himself, has 11 officers from the forces in the 21-member cabinet. Also read | Brazil: Teachers of Rio de Janeiro protest over resumption of face-to-face classes Pazuello has endorsed the Brazilian president's views on the pandemic, including recommending hydroxychloroquine as a treatment to COVID-19 despite a lack of evidence to back the claim. "We had to learn on the job, change the wheel on the car while it was moving. The responsibility was enormous, but we had total freedom to implement the necessary measures," Pazuello said at the swearing-in event held in Brasilia, as quoted by news agency AFP. Months ago when the pandemic condition started worsening in the Latin American nation, health ministers Luiz Henrique Mandetta and Nelson Teich resigned, rejecting Bolsonaro's approach to handle the deadly outbreak. With the death of over 134,000 people, Brazil has second-largest death toll worldwide and the only country after the US to record over 100,000 fatalities. The country also has about 4.5 million coronavirus cases, making it the third-worst affected after the US and India.

Brazil: Bolsonaro appoints army general with no medical experience as health minister

Teachers from private schools in Rio de Janeiro protested on Sunday (September 13) to demand the return of students to classrooms amid a coronavirus pandemic that has left more than 131,000 deaths in the South American country.

Rio's private school teachers call for students to return to classes amid pandemic

Teachers of private schools in Brazil's Rio de Janeiro protested on Sunday demanding face-to-face classes begin amid the coronavirus pandemic that has killed over 131,000 people in the South American nation.

Brazil: Teachers protest over resumption of face-to-face classes

Teachers of private schools in Brazil's Rio de Janeiro protested on Sunday demanding face-to-face classes begin amid the coronavirus pandemic that has killed over 131,000 people in the South American nation.&nbsp;

Dozens of teachers gathered near Copacabana beach where they blocked roads, carried placards and shouted slogans for the reopening of face-to-face schools.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brazil-hands-out-so-much-covid-cash-that-poverty-nears-historic-low-327132">Brazil hands out so much Covid cash that poverty nears historic low</a>

The nations shut down schools and universities in March following a rapid increase in the number of COVID-19 cases in Brazil.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brazil-president-bolsonaro-says-covid-19-vaccinations-will-not-be-mandatory-325087">Brazil President Bolsonaro says COVID-19 vaccinations will not be mandatory</a>

However, in recent weeks, a number of states and municipalities are announcing plans to gradually open these institutions.&nbsp;

The city of Manaus, capital of Amazonas, became the first capital in Brazil to allow a return to classes of private schools.&nbsp;

But, doctors and teachers unions are opposing such openings, demanding implementation of health measures to control new cases.&nbsp;

After witnessing an endless plateau of over 1,000 deaths on almost a daily basis from June to August, Brazil's coronavirus curve appears to be declining with average deaths in the past week coming down to 696.&nbsp;

Globally, Brazil ranks second in the number of fatalities linked to COVID-19 and third in overall infections. 
&nbsp;

Teachers of private schools in Brazil's Rio de Janeiro protested on Sunday demanding face-to-face classes begin amid the coronavirus pandemic that has killed over 131,000 people in the South American nation. Dozens of teachers gathered near Copacabana beach where they blocked roads, carried placards and shouted slogans for the reopening of face-to-face schools. Also read | Brazil hands out so much Covid cash that poverty nears historic low The nations shut down schools and universities in March following a rapid increase in the number of COVID-19 cases in Brazil. Also read | Brazil President Bolsonaro says COVID-19 vaccinations will not be mandatory However, in recent weeks, a number of states and municipalities are announcing plans to gradually open these institutions. The city of Manaus, capital of Amazonas, became the first capital in Brazil to allow a return to classes of private schools. But, doctors and teachers unions are opposing such openings, demanding implementation of health measures to control new cases. After witnessing an endless plateau of over 1,000 deaths on almost a daily basis from June to August, Brazil's coronavirus curve appears to be declining with average deaths in the past week coming down to 696. Globally, Brazil ranks second in the number of fatalities linked to COVID-19 and third in overall infections.

Brazil: Teachers of Rio de Janeiro protest over resumption of face-to-face classes

Brazil has recorded more than 130,000 deaths linked to Covid-19, the world's second-highest figure, as the outbreak in the country shows no sign of easing. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/journalists-are-wimps-more-likely-to-die-of-coronavirus-says-brazils-bolsonaro-322872">Also read | Journalists are 'wimps'; more likely to die of coronavirus, says Brazil's Bolsonaro</a> 
 
Since the first case came to light on February 26, the South American colossus has registered more than 4.32 million infections. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brazil-president-bolsonaro-says-covid-19-vaccinations-will-not-be-mandatory-325087">Also read | Brazil President Bolsonaro says COVID-19 vaccinations will not be mandatory</a> 
 
But the government has responded to the crisis by distributing so much cash directly to citizens that poverty and inequality are approaching national historic lows.

According to a report published in news agency Bloomberg "some 66 million people, 30% of the population, have been getting 600 reais ($110) a month, making it the most ambitious social program ever undertaken in Brazil, a shocking shift under President Jair Bolsonaro who railed against welfare dismissed the virus — and now finds himself newly popular. The government hasn’t published its figures yet but data from the Getulio Vargas Foundation, one of Brazil’s top universities, show that those living on less than $1.9 a day fell to 3.3% in June from 8% last year, and those below the poverty line were at 21.7% compared with 25.6%. Both represent 16-year lows."

Brazil’s emergency pandemic payments, known as the “coronavoucher,” has benefited 30 million households, or 44% of the country’s total, since March.

Recent opinion polls show these payments were a key factor in boosting the popularity of right-wing Bolsonaro to its highest since taking office last year, especially in the poorest region, northeastern Brazil, once a stronghold of the left.

But Guedes has said the pandemic handouts cost the Treasury 50 billion reais a month and are fiscally unsustainable.

To hold on to his newfound support, Bolsonaro is seeking to rebrand Bolsa Familia, the popular cash transfer program launched in 2003 by former leftist President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, which helped build a bastion of support for his Workers’ Party. 
 
Renamed Renda Brasil, Bolsonaro hopes to expand the welfare payments to an additional 7 million poor families, taking it to a total of 21 million, and to increase the stipend.

But the president said he was unhappy with the way the Economy Ministry had proposed funding Renda Brasil, via cuts in other social programs such as the salary allowance scheme that many low-paid workers qualify for.

Bolsa Familia, which enjoys widespread popularity and support, costs the Treasury around 30 billion reais ($5.5 billion) a year.

“I can’t take from the poor to give to the poor. I cannot take away 12 million people’s salary allowance to give to a Bolsa Familia or Renda Brasil, or whatever,” Bolsonaro said at an event in the state of Minas Gerais.

(With inputs from agencies)

Brazil has recorded more than 130,000 deaths linked to Covid-19, the world's second-highest figure, as the outbreak in the country shows no sign of easing. Also read | Journalists are 'wimps'; more likely to die of coronavirus, says Brazil's Bolsonaro Since the first case came to light on February 26, the South American colossus has registered more than 4.

Brazil has recorded more than 130,000 deaths linked to Covid-19, the world's second-highest figure, as the outbreak in the country shows no sign of easing. Also read | Journalists are 'wimps'; more likely to die of coronavirus, says Brazil's Bolsonaro Since the first case came to light on February 26, the South American colossus has registered more than 4.32 million infections. Also read | Brazil President Bolsonaro says COVID-19 vaccinations will not be mandatory But the government has responded to the crisis by distributing so much cash directly to citizens that poverty and inequality are approaching national historic lows. According to a report published in news agency Bloomberg "some 66 million people, 30% of the population, have been getting 600 reais ($110) a month, making it the most ambitious social program ever undertaken in Brazil, a shocking shift under President Jair Bolsonaro who railed against welfare dismissed the virus — and now finds himself newly popular. The government hasn’t published its figures yet but data from the Getulio Vargas Foundation, one of Brazil’s top universities, show that those living on less than $1.9 a day fell to 3.3% in June from 8% last year, and those below the poverty line were at 21.7% compared with 25.6%. Both represent 16-year lows." Brazil’s emergency pandemic payments, known as the “coronavoucher,” has benefited 30 million households, or 44% of the country’s total, since March. Recent opinion polls show these payments were a key factor in boosting the popularity of right-wing Bolsonaro to its highest since taking office last year, especially in the poorest region, northeastern Brazil, once a stronghold of the left. But Guedes has said the pandemic handouts cost the Treasury 50 billion reais a month and are fiscally unsustainable. To hold on to his newfound support, Bolsonaro is seeking to rebrand Bolsa Familia, the popular cash transfer program launched in 2003 by former leftist President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, which helped build a bastion of support for his Workers’ Party. Renamed Renda Brasil, Bolsonaro hopes to expand the welfare payments to an additional 7 million poor families, taking it to a total of 21 million, and to increase the stipend. But the president said he was unhappy with the way the Economy Ministry had proposed funding Renda Brasil, via cuts in other social programs such as the salary allowance scheme that many low-paid workers qualify for. Bolsa Familia, which enjoys widespread popularity and support, costs the Treasury around 30 billion reais ($5.5 billion) a year. “I can’t take from the poor to give to the poor. I cannot take away 12 million people’s salary allowance to give to a Bolsa Familia or Renda Brasil, or whatever,” Bolsonaro said at an event in the state of Minas Gerais. (With inputs from agencies)

Brazil hands out so much Covid cash that poverty nears historic low

Brazil's environment minister challenged Hollywood star Leonardo DiCaprio Thursday to "put your money where your mouth is," after the actor and environmentalist criticized far-right President Jair Bolsonaro's policies on the Amazon rainforest.

DiCaprio had shared a video on Twitter Wednesday from a campaign called DefundBolsonaro.org, which claims that "Bolsonaro's government has taken the destruction of the Amazon to unbearable levels," and calls on investors to pressure the president to take steps to protect the world's biggest rainforest.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DefundBolsonaro?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DefundBolsonaro</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AmazonOrBolsonaro?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AmazonOrBolsonaro</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WhichSideAreYouOn?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WhichSideAreYouOn</a> <a href="https://t.co/Q1DtSSrhzg">https://t.co/Q1DtSSrhzg</a>
— Leonardo DiCaprio (@LeoDiCaprio) <a href="https://twitter.com/LeoDiCaprio/status/1303747439271137281?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 9, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Environment Minister Ricardo Salles fired back with a taunt.

"Dear @LeoDiCaprio, Brazil is launching 'Adopt1Park' preservation project which allows you or any other company or individual to pick one of the 132 parks in the Amazon and directly sponsor it at 10 euros per hectare per year. Are you going to put your money where your mouth is?" Salles wrote on Twitter.

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Dear <a href="https://twitter.com/LeoDiCaprio?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@LeoDiCaprio</a> Brazil is launching “Adopt1Park” preservation project which allows you or any other company or individual to pick one of the 132 Parks in the Amazon and directly sponsor it at 10 Euros per hectare per year. Are you going to put your money where your mouth is? <a href="https://t.co/VMG817oUX8">https://t.co/VMG817oUX8</a>
— Ricardo Salles MMA (@rsallesmma) <a href="https://twitter.com/rsallesmma/status/1303994727663120385?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 10, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Bolsonaro retweeted the message.

The president, who took office in January 2019, has presided over a surge in fires and deforestation in the Amazon, which scientists say is a vital resource for curbing climate change.

DiCaprio, who has called for stronger action to protect the rainforest, has become a favorite target of the Bolsonaro administration.

Last month, Vice President Hamilton Mourao challenged the "Once Upon a Time... in Hollywood" star to an eight-hour hike in the Amazon, saying he wanted to show him the rainforest was not actually burning.

Salles, for his part, has shown a knack for stirring up controversy.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/jair-bolsonaro-calls-reports-of-amazons-fires-a-lie-326273">Also watch:&nbsp;Jair Bolsonaro calls reports of Amazon's fires a 'Lie'</a>

The environment minister faced intense criticism in April when a video recording was made public of a Bolsonaro cabinet meeting at which he said the coronavirus pandemic was an opportunity to roll back regulations "now that the media's only talking about Covid."

He landed in a new row Thursday when he tweeted a video by a Brazilian agricultural lobby group that claims, "The Amazon is not burning," with images of verdant forest, smiling indigenous people and cute animals.

However, it soon emerged the video featured animals that do not actually live in the Amazon.

Though Bolsonaro has called reports on the Amazon fires "a lie," figures from his own government show there were 29,307 fires in the rainforest last month, just slightly shy of the crisis levels that triggered international condemnation last year.

Brazil's environment minister challenged Hollywood star Leonardo DiCaprio Thursday to "put your money where your mouth is," after the actor and environmentalist criticized far-right President Jair Bolsonaro's policies on the Amazon rainforest.

Brazil's environment minister challenged Hollywood star Leonardo DiCaprio Thursday to "put your money where your mouth is," after the actor and environmentalist criticized far-right President Jair Bolsonaro's policies on the Amazon rainforest. DiCaprio had shared a video on Twitter Wednesday from a campaign called DefundBolsonaro.org, which claims that "Bolsonaro's government has taken the destruction of the Amazon to unbearable levels," and calls on investors to pressure the president to take steps to protect the world's biggest rainforest. #DefundBolsonaro #AmazonOrBolsonaro #WhichSideAreYouOn https://t.co/Q1DtSSrhzg — Leonardo DiCaprio (@LeoDiCaprio) September 9, 2020 × Environment Minister Ricardo Salles fired back with a taunt. "Dear @LeoDiCaprio, Brazil is launching 'Adopt1Park' preservation project which allows you or any other company or individual to pick one of the 132 parks in the Amazon and directly sponsor it at 10 euros per hectare per year. Are you going to put your money where your mouth is?" Salles wrote on Twitter. Dear @LeoDiCaprio Brazil is launching “Adopt1Park” preservation project which allows you or any other company or individual to pick one of the 132 Parks in the Amazon and directly sponsor it at 10 Euros per hectare per year. Are you going to put your money where your mouth is? https://t.co/VMG817oUX8 — Ricardo Salles MMA (@rsallesmma) September 10, 2020 × Bolsonaro retweeted the message. The president, who took office in January 2019, has presided over a surge in fires and deforestation in the Amazon, which scientists say is a vital resource for curbing climate change. DiCaprio, who has called for stronger action to protect the rainforest, has become a favorite target of the Bolsonaro administration. Last month, Vice President Hamilton Mourao challenged the "Once Upon a Time... in Hollywood" star to an eight-hour hike in the Amazon, saying he wanted to show him the rainforest was not actually burning. Salles, for his part, has shown a knack for stirring up controversy. Also watch: Jair Bolsonaro calls reports of Amazon's fires a 'Lie' The environment minister faced intense criticism in April when a video recording was made public of a Bolsonaro cabinet meeting at which he said the coronavirus pandemic was an opportunity to roll back regulations "now that the media's only talking about Covid." He landed in a new row Thursday when he tweeted a video by a Brazilian agricultural lobby group that claims, "The Amazon is not burning," with images of verdant forest, smiling indigenous people and cute animals. However, it soon emerged the video featured animals that do not actually live in the Amazon. Though Bolsonaro has called reports on the Amazon fires "a lie," figures from his own government show there were 29,307 fires in the rainforest last month, just slightly shy of the crisis levels that triggered international condemnation last year.

Controversial Brazil environment minister taunts DiCaprio

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro is under renewed criticism over widespread wildfires in the country's Amazon rainforest.

Jair Bolsonaro calls reports of Amazon's fires a 'Lie'

A four-year-old Brazilian boy has carved his way through the sea at a very young age as he learned how to ride the surfboard without help and that too in style. Joao picked up swimming and surfing after seeing his dad and older sister out in the sea every day.

Joao Vitor&nbsp;from Guaruja, Brazil, a coastal town 55 miles from Sao Paulo, was inspired to start surfing after watching his father and older sister take part in the activity every day. The “Prince of Waves”, as described by a fan on social media, to everyone’s surprise, stood on waves for the first time at the age of two. His mother Camilla Chuquer Braga runs her son's account and posts daily.

<img alt="Joao Vitor" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="189168e3-ca6d-45be-b0c8-ae552f5278a6" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Br1.png" />

In an exclusive chat with WION, Camilla admits she never expected her little boy to start surfing so early. It was only when he managed to stand up on the surfing board at the age of 2 and a half, did she realize how gifted Joao was!

Camilla and her husband were in shock at how quickly their son - now aged four - mastered the tricky art of standing up on the board, which is something many people much older struggle with. When asked if she was ever scared to introduce Joao to the fierce waves at that age, she mentions “Joao had started taking swimming lessons when he was just 7 months old hence, he always did well in the waters.”

<img alt="Joao Vitor" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="441d99fa-02fb-4015-99ce-f26d726fa995" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/BR3.png" />

However, Joao is not the first surfer child Camilla has, her elder daughter Maria too has been surfing since she was 3 years old and served as the biggest inspiration for Joao.

“In addition to his father who surfs every day, his sister Maria Clara has also been surfing since she was little, and he has always loved watching her in the waves. I think she was the biggest inspiration for João,” said the proud mother.

On being asked if she sees Joao taking up surfing as a profession later in life, she said, “I think it’s too early to talk about a professional future. As of now he loves to surf and has a lot of fun at sea”.

Joao entertains more than 32,000 followers on Instagram with his impressive surfing skills.

A four-year-old Brazilian boy has carved his way through the sea at a very young age as he learned how to ride the surfboard without help and that too in style. Joao picked up swimming and surfing after seeing his dad and older sister out in the sea every day.

A four-year-old Brazilian boy has carved his way through the sea at a very young age as he learned how to ride the surfboard without help and that too in style. Joao picked up swimming and surfing after seeing his dad and older sister out in the sea every day. Joao Vitor from Guaruja, Brazil, a coastal town 55 miles from Sao Paulo, was inspired to start surfing after watching his father and older sister take part in the activity every day. The “Prince of Waves”, as described by a fan on social media, to everyone’s surprise, stood on waves for the first time at the age of two. His mother Camilla Chuquer Braga runs her son's account and posts daily. In an exclusive chat with WION, Camilla admits she never expected her little boy to start surfing so early. It was only when he managed to stand up on the surfing board at the age of 2 and a half, did she realize how gifted Joao was! Camilla and her husband were in shock at how quickly their son - now aged four - mastered the tricky art of standing up on the board, which is something many people much older struggle with. When asked if she was ever scared to introduce Joao to the fierce waves at that age, she mentions “Joao had started taking swimming lessons when he was just 7 months old hence, he always did well in the waters.” However, Joao is not the first surfer child Camilla has, her elder daughter Maria too has been surfing since she was 3 years old and served as the biggest inspiration for Joao. “In addition to his father who surfs every day, his sister Maria Clara has also been surfing since she was little, and he has always loved watching her in the waves. I think she was the biggest inspiration for João,” said the proud mother. On being asked if she sees Joao taking up surfing as a profession later in life, she said, “I think it’s too early to talk about a professional future. As of now he loves to surf and has a lot of fun at sea”. Joao entertains more than 32,000 followers on Instagram with his impressive surfing skills.

Meet Joao Vitor, Brazil's 4-year-old surfing prodigy

Your Story: Animals forced to flee amid raging fires in Amazon

Brazil’s right-wing President Jair Bolsonaro, who has consistently downplayed the severity of the coronavirus outbreak, reiterated on Thursday that COVID-19 vaccinations will not be obligatory when they become available.

“Many people want the vaccine to be applied in a coercive way, but there is no law that provides for that,” Bolsonaro said in a Facebook live chat with his supporters.

Vice President Hamilton Mourão said earlier that mass vaccination was inevitable to fight the pandemic in Brazil, but was firmly in line with Bolsonaro’s stance.

“There is no way for the government - unless we live in a dictatorship - to force everyone to get vaccinated,” Mourão said in a radio interview.

Also Read: <a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/its-an-age-thing-brazillian-president-jair-bolsonaro-to-undergo-surgery-for-kidney-stones-324406">'It's an age thing': Brazillian President Jair Bolsonaro to undergo surgery for kidney stones</a>

In the second worst outbreak outside of the United States, Brazil has recorded more than 4 million confirmed cases of coronavirus and the official death toll from COVID-19 has risen to 124,614, the health ministry said.

In the 24 hours preceding Thursday afternoon, 43,773 new cases were reported in the country and there were 834 deaths from the virus.

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Brazil last month signed an agreement with AstraZeneca to buy 30 million doses of the vaccine it is developing with Oxford University, with an option for 70 million more doses if the vaccine works.

Latin America’s most populous country has become a key testing ground for a COVID-19 vaccines and has approved phase 3 clinical trials for four that are under development, by Oxford University/AstraZeneca, China’s Sinovac Biotech, and Pfizer Inc in partnership with BioNTech and Johnson &amp; Johnson’s pharmaceutical subsidiary Janssen. 
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Brazil’s right-wing President Jair Bolsonaro, who has consistently downplayed the severity of the coronavirus outbreak, reiterated on Thursday that COVID-19 vaccinations will not be obligatory when they become available.

Brazil’s right-wing President Jair Bolsonaro, who has consistently downplayed the severity of the coronavirus outbreak, reiterated on Thursday that COVID-19 vaccinations will not be obligatory when they become available. “Many people want the vaccine to be applied in a coercive way, but there is no law that provides for that,” Bolsonaro said in a Facebook live chat with his supporters. Vice President Hamilton Mourão said earlier that mass vaccination was inevitable to fight the pandemic in Brazil, but was firmly in line with Bolsonaro’s stance. “There is no way for the government - unless we live in a dictatorship - to force everyone to get vaccinated,” Mourão said in a radio interview. Also Read: 'It's an age thing': Brazillian President Jair Bolsonaro to undergo surgery for kidney stones In the second worst outbreak outside of the United States, Brazil has recorded more than 4 million confirmed cases of coronavirus and the official death toll from COVID-19 has risen to 124,614, the health ministry said. In the 24 hours preceding Thursday afternoon, 43,773 new cases were reported in the country and there were 834 deaths from the virus. × Brazil last month signed an agreement with AstraZeneca to buy 30 million doses of the vaccine it is developing with Oxford University, with an option for 70 million more doses if the vaccine works. Latin America’s most populous country has become a key testing ground for a COVID-19 vaccines and has approved phase 3 clinical trials for four that are under development, by Oxford University/AstraZeneca, China’s Sinovac Biotech, and Pfizer Inc in partnership with BioNTech and Johnson & Johnson’s pharmaceutical subsidiary Janssen.

Brazil President Bolsonaro says COVID-19 vaccinations will not be mandatory

After coronavirus and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brazil-president-bolsonaro-says-he-has-mold-in-lungs-317263">'molds'</a> in lungs, the Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has revealed that he will be undergoing a surgery to remove&nbsp;kidney stones in the month of September.

"I felt a little pain, so I went for a checkup. But I'm fine. It's an age thing," he said in an interview.

The President, reportedly, went through an ultrasound and the doctors have reported that the kidney stone is&nbsp;slightly larger than a bean. Bolsonaro has had four surgeries for the injuries he had after he was stabbed in the abdomen during his 2018 presidential campaign, a month before he took over the President's office.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/journalists-are-wimps-more-likely-to-die-of-coronavirus-says-brazils-bolsonaro-322872">Also read|&nbsp;Journalists are 'wimps'; more likely to die of coronavirus, says Brazil's Bolsonaro</a>

The attack forced him to undergo four operations on his stomach, the most recent in September 2019. In March 2020, Bolsonaro had announced that he will be undergoing the fifth operation soon which, he hopes, "should be the last."

This year has not been kind to Bolsonaro as he has had to battle the novel coronavirus, which he claims was not a serious infection, courtesy his "athletic past" and his choice to use hydroxychloroquine as an anti-virus drug.

Bolsonaro has tried to downplay the novel coronavirus eventhough&nbsp;Brazil is the one of the worst affected country&nbsp;with second-highest number of infections and deaths due to the pandemic.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/people-die-every-day-jair-bolsonaro-asks-brazilians-to-face-up-to-coronavirus-317382">Also read|&nbsp;'People die every day': Jair Bolsonaro asks Brazilians to 'face up to' coronavirus</a>

The President has, however, been spotted without face masks and has defied social distancing at more than a couple of events. Even after his <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/brazil-president-bolsonaros-wife-tests-positive-for-covid-19-317216">wife</a>, elder <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eldest-son-of-brazils-president-jair-bolsonaro-tests-positive-for-coronavirus-323087">son</a>, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/brazil-president-bolsonaros-wife-tests-positive-for-covid-19-317216">Chief of Staff</a>, and several others close to him tested positive, the President has always maintained that the pandemic is 'just a virus' and people should just "face up to" coronavirus.

"I regret the deaths. But people die every day, from lots of things. That's life," he said.

There has been no official statement from the President's House about Bolsonaro's surgery yet.

After coronavirus and 'molds' in lungs, the Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has revealed that he will be undergoing a surgery to remove kidney stones in the month of September.

After coronavirus and 'molds' in lungs, the Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has revealed that he will be undergoing a surgery to remove kidney stones in the month of September. "I felt a little pain, so I went for a checkup. But I'm fine. It's an age thing," he said in an interview. The President, reportedly, went through an ultrasound and the doctors have reported that the kidney stone is slightly larger than a bean. Bolsonaro has had four surgeries for the injuries he had after he was stabbed in the abdomen during his 2018 presidential campaign, a month before he took over the President's office. Also read| Journalists are 'wimps'; more likely to die of coronavirus, says Brazil's Bolsonaro The attack forced him to undergo four operations on his stomach, the most recent in September 2019. In March 2020, Bolsonaro had announced that he will be undergoing the fifth operation soon which, he hopes, "should be the last." This year has not been kind to Bolsonaro as he has had to battle the novel coronavirus, which he claims was not a serious infection, courtesy his "athletic past" and his choice to use hydroxychloroquine as an anti-virus drug. Bolsonaro has tried to downplay the novel coronavirus eventhough Brazil is the one of the worst affected country with second-highest number of infections and deaths due to the pandemic. Also read| 'People die every day': Jair Bolsonaro asks Brazilians to 'face up to' coronavirus The President has, however, been spotted without face masks and has defied social distancing at more than a couple of events. Even after his wife, elder son, Chief of Staff, and several others close to him tested positive, the President has always maintained that the pandemic is 'just a virus' and people should just "face up to" coronavirus. "I regret the deaths. But people die every day, from lots of things. That's life," he said. There has been no official statement from the President's House about Bolsonaro's surgery yet.

'It's an age thing': Brazillian President Jair Bolsonaro to undergo surgery for kidney stones

With theaters closed around the world, three South American dancers have created a digital dance-off for aspiring twirlers, with Instagram as the new stage where competitors from Argentina and Brazil to Israel and Italy post clips of their moves.

A digital dance-off spreads from Argentina to the world

Nearly 40 per cent of all reported Covid-19 cases are in the United States and Brazil, the two worst-hit countries.

According to the available reports, more than 25 million coronavirus cases have been confirmed worldwide so far. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/global-coronavirus-cases-surpass-25-million-324038">Also read: Global coronavirus cases surpass 25 million</a> 
 
At least 25,029,250 people have been infected with the respiratory disease, of whom 842,915 have died.

In the United States, metrics on new cases, deaths, hospitalizations and test positivity rates are all declining, but there are emerging hotspots in the Midwest. 
 
On the other hand, just over six months after registering its first case of the new coronavirus, Brazil crossed the grim threshold of 120,000 people killed by Covid-19, with no end in sight to the crisis.

The country of 212 million people has now registered 120,262 deaths from the virus and 3,846,153 infections, the health ministry said in its daily update.

Brazil is just the second country to surpass a death toll of 120,000 in the pandemic, after the United States, where the number killed is now more than 182,000.

The global pace of new infections has steadied a little. It has taken about three weeks for the caseload to jump by 5 million cases to 25 million. That compared with the 19, 24 and 39 days it took, respectively, to add 5 million cases to the 20 million, 15 million and 10 million marks.

The rate of new daily cases has slowed to around 1.2% over August so far. That compared with 1.7% in July, 1.8% in June, 2.1% in May, 4.6% in April and 7.7% in March.

Health experts stress that official data almost certainly underreports both infections and deaths, particularly in countries with limited testing capacity.

While COVID-19's trajectory still falls far short of the 1918 Spanish flu, which infected an estimated 500 million people, killing at least 10% of patients, experts worry the available data is underplaying the true impact of the pandemic.

(With inputs from agencies)

Nearly 40 per cent of all reported Covid-19 cases are in the United States and Brazil, the two worst-hit countries. According to the available reports, more than 25 million coronavirus cases have been confirmed worldwide so far.

Nearly 40 per cent of all reported Covid-19 cases are in the United States and Brazil, the two worst-hit countries. According to the available reports, more than 25 million coronavirus cases have been confirmed worldwide so far. Also read: Global coronavirus cases surpass 25 million At least 25,029,250 people have been infected with the respiratory disease, of whom 842,915 have died. In the United States, metrics on new cases, deaths, hospitalizations and test positivity rates are all declining, but there are emerging hotspots in the Midwest. On the other hand, just over six months after registering its first case of the new coronavirus, Brazil crossed the grim threshold of 120,000 people killed by Covid-19, with no end in sight to the crisis. The country of 212 million people has now registered 120,262 deaths from the virus and 3,846,153 infections, the health ministry said in its daily update. Brazil is just the second country to surpass a death toll of 120,000 in the pandemic, after the United States, where the number killed is now more than 182,000. The global pace of new infections has steadied a little. It has taken about three weeks for the caseload to jump by 5 million cases to 25 million. That compared with the 19, 24 and 39 days it took, respectively, to add 5 million cases to the 20 million, 15 million and 10 million marks. The rate of new daily cases has slowed to around 1.2% over August so far. That compared with 1.7% in July, 1.8% in June, 2.1% in May, 4.6% in April and 7.7% in March. Health experts stress that official data almost certainly underreports both infections and deaths, particularly in countries with limited testing capacity. While COVID-19's trajectory still falls far short of the 1918 Spanish flu, which infected an estimated 500 million people, killing at least 10% of patients, experts worry the available data is underplaying the true impact of the pandemic. (With inputs from agencies)

40% of world's total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases are in US and Brazil: Report

Brazil expanded its requirements Friday for rape victims seeking an abortion, including a rule that medical staff must tell the woman she can see the embryo or fetus via ultrasound.

The new regulations published by far-right President Jair Bolsonaro's health ministry also stipulate that the rape "must be reported to police" regardless of the woman's wishes, that she must give doctors "a detailed account" of what happened, and that she must be "expressly warned" she can be prosecuted for fraud and aborting illegally if she is unable to prove her claim.

Brazil allows abortion only in cases of rape, danger to the woman's life or the severe birth defect anencephaly.

Even those exceptions are controversial among the religious right in Latin America's largest country, which has powerful conservative Catholic and Evangelical Christian communities.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eldest-son-of-brazils-president-jair-bolsonaro-tests-positive-for-coronavirus-323087">Also read:&nbsp;Eldest son of Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro tests positive for coronavirus</a>

The new rules issued by interim health minister Eduardo Pazuello, an active-duty army general, came on the heels of an outcry earlier this month over the case of a 10-year-old girl who was allegedly raped by her uncle and was refused an abortion in her home state, Espirito Santo.

She then flew across the country to the northeastern city of Recife, where she was able to undergo the procedure.

However, she was met outside the hospital by far-right activists and politicians who staged a furious protest.

Demonstrators were informed of the girl's identity and the hospital where she was to be admitted in a video posted online by far-right activist Sara Winter, a prominent Bolsonaro supporter with close ties to Women's Minister Damares Alves, an Evangelical pastor.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/brazil-president-jair-bolsonaro-and-his-non-normal-antics-314020">Also read:&nbsp;Brazil President Jair Bolsonaro and his 'non-normal' antics</a>

The new regulations from the health ministry, published in the official gazette, triggered immediate outcry from abortion rights supporters.

"I have just introduced a bill in Congress to block today's health ministry decree, which is an obstacle to legal abortion and constitutes psychological violence against women," leftist lawmaker and doctor Jandira Feghali wrote on Twitter.

Sixteen lawmakers in the lower house, including Feghali, wrote a letter to UN human-rights chief Michelle Bachelet urging her to intervene against the decree as a matter of protecting women's rights.

Brazil expanded its requirements Friday for rape victims seeking an abortion, including a rule that medical staff must tell the woman she can see the embryo or fetus via ultrasound.

Brazil expanded its requirements Friday for rape victims seeking an abortion, including a rule that medical staff must tell the woman she can see the embryo or fetus via ultrasound. The new regulations published by far-right President Jair Bolsonaro's health ministry also stipulate that the rape "must be reported to police" regardless of the woman's wishes, that she must give doctors "a detailed account" of what happened, and that she must be "expressly warned" she can be prosecuted for fraud and aborting illegally if she is unable to prove her claim. Brazil allows abortion only in cases of rape, danger to the woman's life or the severe birth defect anencephaly. Even those exceptions are controversial among the religious right in Latin America's largest country, which has powerful conservative Catholic and Evangelical Christian communities. Also read: Eldest son of Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro tests positive for coronavirus The new rules issued by interim health minister Eduardo Pazuello, an active-duty army general, came on the heels of an outcry earlier this month over the case of a 10-year-old girl who was allegedly raped by her uncle and was refused an abortion in her home state, Espirito Santo. She then flew across the country to the northeastern city of Recife, where she was able to undergo the procedure. However, she was met outside the hospital by far-right activists and politicians who staged a furious protest. Demonstrators were informed of the girl's identity and the hospital where she was to be admitted in a video posted online by far-right activist Sara Winter, a prominent Bolsonaro supporter with close ties to Women's Minister Damares Alves, an Evangelical pastor. Also read: Brazil President Jair Bolsonaro and his 'non-normal' antics The new regulations from the health ministry, published in the official gazette, triggered immediate outcry from abortion rights supporters. "I have just introduced a bill in Congress to block today's health ministry decree, which is an obstacle to legal abortion and constitutes psychological violence against women," leftist lawmaker and doctor Jandira Feghali wrote on Twitter. Sixteen lawmakers in the lower house, including Feghali, wrote a letter to UN human-rights chief Michelle Bachelet urging her to intervene against the decree as a matter of protecting women's rights.

Brazil expands requirements for abortion in rape cases

The eldest son of Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro says he's tested positive for coronavirus and is in isolation with no symptoms.

Senator Flavio&nbsp;Bolsonaro&nbsp;is the fourth member of President Jair Bolsonaro's direct family infected by&nbsp;coronavirus. The president, first lady Michelle Bolsonaro and Jair Renan Bolsonaro, another son, have tested positive for the coronavirus.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/journalists-are-wimps-more-likely-to-die-of-coronavirus-says-brazils-bolsonaro-322872" hreflang="en">Journalists are 'wimps'; more likely to die of coronavirus, says Brazil's Bolsonaro</a>

The Brazilian president has downplayed the severity of the virus, arguing against restrictions on economic activity he claims will prove far more damaging than the disease.

His approach to the pandemic runs counter to most recommendations by health experts.

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/brazil-president-jair-bolsonaro-and-his-non-normal-antics-314020">Brazil President Jair Bolsonaro and his 'non-normal' antics</a>

Flavio Bolsonaro says he's being treated with azithromycin and chloroquine, an anti-malarial drug touted both by Brazil's president and by US&nbsp;President Donald Trump, despite clinical trials that found it ineffective or even dangerous.

Several members of Bolsonaro's staff have tested positive, among them eight Cabinet members.

Brazil has 3.6 million confirmed cases and more than 115,000 deaths, second in the world only to the United States.

The eldest son of Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro says he's tested positive for coronavirus and is in isolation with no symptoms. Senator Flavio Bolsonaro is the fourth member of President Jair Bolsonaro's direct family infected by coronavirus.

The eldest son of Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro says he's tested positive for coronavirus and is in isolation with no symptoms. Senator Flavio Bolsonaro is the fourth member of President Jair Bolsonaro's direct family infected by coronavirus. The president, first lady Michelle Bolsonaro and Jair Renan Bolsonaro, another son, have tested positive for the coronavirus. Also read: Journalists are 'wimps'; more likely to die of coronavirus, says Brazil's Bolsonaro The Brazilian president has downplayed the severity of the virus, arguing against restrictions on economic activity he claims will prove far more damaging than the disease. His approach to the pandemic runs counter to most recommendations by health experts. Also see: Brazil President Jair Bolsonaro and his 'non-normal' antics Flavio Bolsonaro says he's being treated with azithromycin and chloroquine, an anti-malarial drug touted both by Brazil's president and by US President Donald Trump, despite clinical trials that found it ineffective or even dangerous. Several members of Bolsonaro's staff have tested positive, among them eight Cabinet members. Brazil has 3.6 million confirmed cases and more than 115,000 deaths, second in the world only to the United States.

Eldest son of Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro tests positive for coronavirus

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