Facebook on Tuesday said it is speeding up plans to go international with a news tab feature that involves paying publishers for stories delivered through the leading social network.

A Facebook News section that debuted late last year in the US will be expanded in the next six months or so to more countries, with top contenders said to be Brazil, Britain, France, Germany, and India.

"In each country, we'll pay news publishers to ensure their content is available in the new product," Facebook global news partnerships vice president Campbell Brown said in a blog post.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/after-block-new-facebook-group-critical-of-thai-monarchy-gains-500000-members-323118">Also read:&nbsp;After block, new Facebook group critical of Thai monarchy gains 500,000 members</a>

"We will keep building new products and making global investments to help the news industry build long-lasting business models."

Facebook News is off to a "strong start" in the US, driving a significant amount of online traffic to publishers, according to Brown.

"Based on this progress, we are accelerating our plans to expand internationally," Brown said.

News agencies have struggled to make money as ad revenue and people's attention have shifted online, where stories are available free of charge in a dynamic criticized by publishers.

"Innovation is critical to building a sustainable news ecosystem," Brown said.

Facebook on Tuesday said it is speeding up plans to go international with a news tab feature that involves paying publishers for stories delivered through the leading social network.

Facebook on Tuesday said it is speeding up plans to go international with a news tab feature that involves paying publishers for stories delivered through the leading social network. A Facebook News section that debuted late last year in the US will be expanded in the next six months or so to more countries, with top contenders said to be Brazil, Britain, France, Germany, and India. "In each country, we'll pay news publishers to ensure their content is available in the new product," Facebook global news partnerships vice president Campbell Brown said in a blog post. Also read: After block, new Facebook group critical of Thai monarchy gains 500,000 members "We will keep building new products and making global investments to help the news industry build long-lasting business models." Facebook News is off to a "strong start" in the US, driving a significant amount of online traffic to publishers, according to Brown. "Based on this progress, we are accelerating our plans to expand internationally," Brown said. News agencies have struggled to make money as ad revenue and people's attention have shifted online, where stories are available free of charge in a dynamic criticized by publishers. "Innovation is critical to building a sustainable news ecosystem," Brown said.

Facebook News feature to expand in India, Brazil, UK and other countries

Environmental activists say the lure of such riches has encouraged illegal miners like Franchinis, adding to the growing deforestation in the region

Illegal miners dig for gold in Brazil | Amazon tropical rainforests | South America

Former Brazilian footballer Ronaldinho was released Monday by a Paraguayan judge after being in detention for five months over a forged passport.

Former footballer Ronaldinho released from Paraguay after five months of detention

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro continued his attack on journalists during a public event on Monday, describing reporters as "wimps" and saying they have a heightened chance of dying of COVID-19 because they are not athletic.

The right-wing leader has long had a fractious relationship with the media, frequently singling out specific newspapers and journalists for his ire. His followers have also attacked journalists at rallies and other public events.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brazil-president-bolsonaro-threatens-to-punch-reporter-in-the-mouth-322626">Brazil President Bolsonaro threatens to punch reporter in the mouth</a>

On Sunday, Bolsonaro told a reporter, "I want to punch you in the face," after the reporter asked about thousands of dollars that were transferred into a bank account of the president's wife by a former aide who is now the target of a corruption probe.

During the Monday event, titled "Defeating COVID-19," Bolsonaro described his own experience battling the virus in July, crediting his use of unproven drug hydroxychloroquine and his self-described history as an athlete for his mild symptoms. He has previously said he believed his athletic past made him immune to the worst of the coronavirus.

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>

"That history of an athlete, the press feasted on it, but when (COVID-19) gets one of you wimps, your chance of surviving is quite a bit lower," Bolsonaro told reporters on Monday, using the Portuguese colloquial word 'bundao'.

"You only know how to do evil, to use a pen largely for evil. Your chance of surviving is quite a bit lower."

Earlier this month, local media reported that the aide, Fabricio Queiroz, deposited $12,900&nbsp;in checks into Michelle Bolsonaro's account between 2011 and 2018.

Queiroz was an aide to now Senator Flavio Bolsonaro, the president's eldest son, when he was a Rio de Janeiro state legislator. The former aide has been arrested in an investigation into bank deposits made at the time, amounting to $2,13,835.

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro continued his attack on journalists during a public event on Monday, describing reporters as "wimps" and saying they have a heightened chance of dying of COVID-19 because they are not athletic.

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro continued his attack on journalists during a public event on Monday, describing reporters as "wimps" and saying they have a heightened chance of dying of COVID-19 because they are not athletic. The right-wing leader has long had a fractious relationship with the media, frequently singling out specific newspapers and journalists for his ire. His followers have also attacked journalists at rallies and other public events. Also read: Brazil President Bolsonaro threatens to punch reporter in the mouth On Sunday, Bolsonaro told a reporter, "I want to punch you in the face," after the reporter asked about thousands of dollars that were transferred into a bank account of the president's wife by a former aide who is now the target of a corruption probe. During the Monday event, titled "Defeating COVID-19," Bolsonaro described his own experience battling the virus in July, crediting his use of unproven drug hydroxychloroquine and his self-described history as an athlete for his mild symptoms. He has previously said he believed his athletic past made him immune to the worst of the coronavirus. Also see: Brazil President Jair Bolsonaro and his 'non-normal' antics "That history of an athlete, the press feasted on it, but when (COVID-19) gets one of you wimps, your chance of surviving is quite a bit lower," Bolsonaro told reporters on Monday, using the Portuguese colloquial word 'bundao'. "You only know how to do evil, to use a pen largely for evil. Your chance of surviving is quite a bit lower." Earlier this month, local media reported that the aide, Fabricio Queiroz, deposited $12,900 in checks into Michelle Bolsonaro's account between 2011 and 2018. Queiroz was an aide to now Senator Flavio Bolsonaro, the president's eldest son, when he was a Rio de Janeiro state legislator. The former aide has been arrested in an investigation into bank deposits made at the time, amounting to $2,13,835.

Journalists are 'wimps'; more likely to die of coronavirus, says Brazil's Bolsonaro

Brazil's economy likely cratered 9.4% under the impact of the coronavirus outbreak in the country during the second quarter,

Brazil's GDP Probably Crumbled 9.4% in Second Quarter

Snow in Brazil occurs yearly in the high plains of the country's South Region (comprising the states of Rio Grande do Sul, Santa Catarina, and Paraná). Elsewhere in the country it is a rare phenomenon but has been registered several times.

South Brazil witnesses rare snowfall | Polar air brings snowfall in Rio Grande Do Sul

A supermarket chain in Brazil apologized Wednesday for its handling of an employee's death at one of its stores, which covered the man's body with boxes and umbrellas and remained open for business.

The Brazilian subsidiary of French supermarket group Carrefour said it regretted how its store in the northeastern city of Recife reacted after a sales representative it identified as Moises Santos died of a heart attack.

The employee died Friday, but the incident went viral on social media Wednesday, along with images of the man's body lying in an aisle, cordoned off with cardboard boxes and covered up with large green parasols.

"A worker died in a Carrefour supermarket in Recife, which covered up his body to remain open. Welcome to Brazil in the year 2020," one Twitter user wrote.

"Carrefour apologizes for the inappropriate way it handled the sad and unexpected passing," the firm said in a statement.

"The company made a mistake in not immediately closing the store after the incident."

Carrefour said the man had received first aid and that emergency responders' instructions were not to move the body.

"We have since changed our protocol for rare situations such as this, including a requirement to close the store," it said.

The victim's wife said her husband's name was not Moises Santos, but Manoel Moises Cavalcante, and voiced anger at the situation.

"I was outraged. Apparently human beings are worth nothing. People only care about money," she told news website G1.

Carrefour faced another scandal in Brazil in 2018, when a security guard beat a dog to death inside a store in Sao Paulo, an incident that likewise caused outcry on social media.

A supermarket chain in Brazil apologized Wednesday for its handling of an employee's death at one of its stores, which covered the man's body with boxes and umbrellas and remained open for business.

A supermarket chain in Brazil apologized Wednesday for its handling of an employee's death at one of its stores, which covered the man's body with boxes and umbrellas and remained open for business. The Brazilian subsidiary of French supermarket group Carrefour said it regretted how its store in the northeastern city of Recife reacted after a sales representative it identified as Moises Santos died of a heart attack. The employee died Friday, but the incident went viral on social media Wednesday, along with images of the man's body lying in an aisle, cordoned off with cardboard boxes and covered up with large green parasols. "A worker died in a Carrefour supermarket in Recife, which covered up his body to remain open. Welcome to Brazil in the year 2020," one Twitter user wrote. "Carrefour apologizes for the inappropriate way it handled the sad and unexpected passing," the firm said in a statement. "The company made a mistake in not immediately closing the store after the incident." Carrefour said the man had received first aid and that emergency responders' instructions were not to move the body. "We have since changed our protocol for rare situations such as this, including a requirement to close the store," it said. The victim's wife said her husband's name was not Moises Santos, but Manoel Moises Cavalcante, and voiced anger at the situation. "I was outraged. Apparently human beings are worth nothing. People only care about money," she told news website G1. Carrefour faced another scandal in Brazil in 2018, when a security guard beat a dog to death inside a store in Sao Paulo, an incident that likewise caused outcry on social media.

Brazil supermarket's corpse cover-up sparks outcry

Flames are ravaging Brazil's Pantanal, the world's largest wetland, approaching the region's main highway and threatening endangered species amid a near-record number of fires.

Animals such as jaguars, macaws at risk as Brazil fires threaten world's largest wetland

In Brazil, rape of a 10-year-old girl has stirred the abortion debate once again. While a section of society has supported the termination rights of a girl, religious extremists have now taken to the streets demanding a stop to the abortion process. Watch report.

Anti-abortion protests in Brazil: 10-year-old raped, undergoes  abortion

World's largest wetland is burning and unprecedented fires are ravaging Brazil's Pantanal one of the most biodiverse places on the planet is facing catastrophic consequences.

Brazil's Pantanal is burning: World's largest wetland up in flames

Brazil fires threaten world's largest wetland

COVID-19, illegal mining, deforestation: Brazil's indigenous protest against Bolsonaro government

Protests have sparked in Brazil after personal details of a 10-year old rape victim were posted online.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brazil-fires-threaten-worlds-largest-wetland-321632" hreflang="en">Brazil fires threaten world's largest wetland</a>

The victim's name was published online by an anti-abortion activist, who was looking forward to stopping her from having a termination.

A Brazilian judge has ordered Google, Facebook and Twitter to remove the personal details of the girl from their sites. He has urged the companies to remove the details within 24 hours or will face a fine of 50,000 reais ($9,000) per day.&nbsp;

According to British media coverage, &nbsp;pro-Bolsonaro activist Sara Giromini was the one who released the details of the 10-year-old victim.&nbsp;

<h6><img alt="cdd" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c032184b-88c7-4fd8-86b0-1f1bb276f69f" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design_127.jpg" /> 
Sara Giromini, pro-abortion activist | AFP</h6>

Many women in Brazil have taken to streets to protect the 10-year-old girl who was mistreated by religious extremists for trying to legally undergo an abortion after being raped, allegedly by her uncle.&nbsp;

The South American country has strict laws on abortion but the termination is allowed in the cases of rape, when the mother's life is at risk or when the foetus has the birth defect anencephaly which is a rare condition that prevents part of the brain and skull from developing.&nbsp;

Despite having the legal permission for having an abortion, activists against termination surrounded the hospital and began protesting. They called the hospital staff "killers". These activists were dispersed by the military police.

According to pro-choice activists, who are in favour of the abortion, the girl was smuggled into the hospital in the boot of a car. The victim entered the premise by a side door.&nbsp;

Protests have sparked in Brazil after personal details of a 10-year old rape victim were posted online. Also read: Brazil fires threaten world's largest wetland The victim's name was published online by an anti-abortion activist, who was looking forward to stopping her from having a termination.

Protests have sparked in Brazil after personal details of a 10-year old rape victim were posted online. Also read: Brazil fires threaten world's largest wetland The victim's name was published online by an anti-abortion activist, who was looking forward to stopping her from having a termination. A Brazilian judge has ordered Google, Facebook and Twitter to remove the personal details of the girl from their sites. He has urged the companies to remove the details within 24 hours or will face a fine of 50,000 reais ($9,000) per day. According to British media coverage, pro-Bolsonaro activist Sara Giromini was the one who released the details of the 10-year-old victim. Sara Giromini, pro-abortion activist | AFP Many women in Brazil have taken to streets to protect the 10-year-old girl who was mistreated by religious extremists for trying to legally undergo an abortion after being raped, allegedly by her uncle. The South American country has strict laws on abortion but the termination is allowed in the cases of rape, when the mother's life is at risk or when the foetus has the birth defect anencephaly which is a rare condition that prevents part of the brain and skull from developing. Despite having the legal permission for having an abortion, activists against termination surrounded the hospital and began protesting. They called the hospital staff "killers". These activists were dispersed by the military police. According to pro-choice activists, who are in favour of the abortion, the girl was smuggled into the hospital in the boot of a car. The victim entered the premise by a side door.

Pro-abortion vs Pro-choice: Massive outcry in Brazil as 10-year-old rape victim persecuted

Flames are ravaging Brazil's Pantanal, the world's largest wetland, approaching the region's main highway and threatening endangered species amid a near-record number of fires.

Brazil's national space research agency Inpe has registered 3,121 fires in the first 15 days of August, nearly five times higher than the same period a year ago. At the current pace, fires could approach the all-time record for any month since records began in 1998.

Firefighters in the area worked to douse smoldering earth that was charred black as clouds of smoke billowed hundreds of feet into the air.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brazil-fires-official-who-divulged-details-of-record-deforestation-in-the-amazon-313178">Brazil fires official who divulged details of record-deforestation in the Amazon</a>

Speaking on a visit to Mato Grosso State to see the fire-fighting efforts in the Pantanal, Environment Minister Ricardo Salles said the challenges loom large.

"The atmosphere is very hot, very dry, with strong winds and high temperatures," Salles said.

"We saw hundreds of fires along the journey throughout the day. Places where the planes and firemen have fought the fires directly without stopping, but still the fires are causing great damage to fauna, flora and to the Pantanal region," he added.

Also see: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/social-media-erupts-as-fire-rages-in-amazon-rainforest-244780">Social media erupts as fire rages in Amazon rainforest</a>

Roughly 8,500 square kilometers, or nearly 6 per cent&nbsp;of the Pantanal, burned from January to July, according to government data.

The Pantanal is 10 times the size of the Everglades wetlands in the US&nbsp;state of Florida. The region is one of the most biodiverse places on the planet with more than 4,700 plant and animal species, including threatened ones like the jaguar, according to advocacy group WWF.

Most of the largest sanctuary for the blue Hyacinthine Macaw parrots has gone up in flames this year, Brazil's Folha de S.Paulo newspaper reported.

The region has been suffering from below-average rainfall and higher-than-average temperatures in the past 30 days, according to data provider Refinitiv.

"It is extremely difficult to combat, control and combat again a fire with the dimensions that we have seen here in the Pantanal," said Paulo Barroso, president of the local firefighting committee.

The blazes in the Pantanal come amid rising concerns about fires in the Amazon, its much larger neighbor to the north. Fires spiked in the first few days of August in the Amazon, but were down by 17 per cent&nbsp;for August&nbsp;1-15, compared with the same period a year ago.

Flames are ravaging Brazil's Pantanal, the world's largest wetland, approaching the region's main highway and threatening endangered species amid a near-record number of fires. Brazil's national space research agency Inpe has registered 3,121 fires in the first 15 days of August, nearly five times higher than the same period a year ago. At the current pace, fires could approach the all-time record for any month since records began in 1998. Firefighters in the area worked to douse smoldering earth that was charred black as clouds of smoke billowed hundreds of feet into the air. Also read: Brazil fires official who divulged details of record-deforestation in the Amazon Speaking on a visit to Mato Grosso State to see the fire-fighting efforts in the Pantanal, Environment Minister Ricardo Salles said the challenges loom large. "The atmosphere is very hot, very dry, with strong winds and high temperatures," Salles said. "We saw hundreds of fires along the journey throughout the day. Places where the planes and firemen have fought the fires directly without stopping, but still the fires are causing great damage to fauna, flora and to the Pantanal region," he added. Also see: Social media erupts as fire rages in Amazon rainforest Roughly 8,500 square kilometers, or nearly 6 per cent of the Pantanal, burned from January to July, according to government data. The Pantanal is 10 times the size of the Everglades wetlands in the US state of Florida. The region is one of the most biodiverse places on the planet with more than 4,700 plant and animal species, including threatened ones like the jaguar, according to advocacy group WWF. Most of the largest sanctuary for the blue Hyacinthine Macaw parrots has gone up in flames this year, Brazil's Folha de S.Paulo newspaper reported. The region has been suffering from below-average rainfall and higher-than-average temperatures in the past 30 days, according to data provider Refinitiv. "It is extremely difficult to combat, control and combat again a fire with the dimensions that we have seen here in the Pantanal," said Paulo Barroso, president of the local firefighting committee. The blazes in the Pantanal come amid rising concerns about fires in the Amazon, its much larger neighbor to the north. Fires spiked in the first few days of August in the Amazon, but were down by 17 per cent for August 1-15, compared with the same period a year ago.

Brazil's health regulator Anvisa on Tuesday said it had approved human clinical trials for a potential COVID-19 vaccine developed by Johnson &amp; Johnson's pharmaceutical subsidiary Janssen.

Brazil is the second-worst hit country for coronavirus cases and deaths after the United States, leading many vaccine developers to seek out clinical trials here.&nbsp;

Brazil had registered 3.4 million cases of the disease and more than 108,000 related deaths as of Monday.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-to-manufacture-coronavirus-vaccine-and-inoculate-people-for-free-says-pm-morrison-321505" hreflang="en">Australia to manufacture coronavirus vaccine and inoculate people for free, says PM Morrison</a>

The Johnson &amp; Johnson vaccine candidate is the fourth to be approved for human trials in Brazil, Anvisa said in its statement.

Brazil has already approved phase 3 human trials of potential vaccines developed by AstraZeneca in partnership with the University of Oxford, China's Sinovac Biotech and Pfizer in partnership with BioNTech.

China's Sinopharm also aims to carry out trials for a possible vaccine in Brazil in a deal with the southern state of Parana pending regulatory approval.

Brazil's health regulator Anvisa on Tuesday said it had approved human clinical trials for a potential COVID-19 vaccine developed by Johnson & Johnson's pharmaceutical subsidiary Janssen.

Brazil's health regulator Anvisa on Tuesday said it had approved human clinical trials for a potential COVID-19 vaccine developed by Johnson & Johnson's pharmaceutical subsidiary Janssen. Brazil is the second-worst hit country for coronavirus cases and deaths after the United States, leading many vaccine developers to seek out clinical trials here. Brazil had registered 3.4 million cases of the disease and more than 108,000 related deaths as of Monday. Also read: Australia to manufacture coronavirus vaccine and inoculate people for free, says PM Morrison The Johnson & Johnson vaccine candidate is the fourth to be approved for human trials in Brazil, Anvisa said in its statement. Brazil has already approved phase 3 human trials of potential vaccines developed by AstraZeneca in partnership with the University of Oxford, China's Sinovac Biotech and Pfizer in partnership with BioNTech. China's Sinopharm also aims to carry out trials for a possible vaccine in Brazil in a deal with the southern state of Parana pending regulatory approval.

Brazil approves human trials for potential Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine

Fires in Brazil's Amazon for the month of August hit a nine-year high in 2019 and this month so far looks even worse.

Amazon rainforest continues to burn | Aerial video reveals scale of damage | Brazil

Two of Brazil's best known tourist attractions -- the Christ the Redeemer statue and Sugarloaf Mountain -- have reopened after being shut for five months due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Brazil reopens Christ the Redeemer amid spike in Coronavirus cases

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro received the best approval rating of his term on August 14. His popularity was boosted among recipients of COVID-19 stimulus payments.

COVID-19 pandemic: Bolsonaro's approval rating at an all-time high

After traces of coronavirus were found on imported frozen chicken wings in China, the World Health Organization (WHO) has claimed it&nbsp;found no evidence of the virus being spread by food or packaging.

The organization has also urged people not to be afraid of the virus entering the food chain.

“People should not fear food, or food packaging or processing or delivery of food,” WHO head of emergencies programme Mike Ryan told a briefing in Geneva. “There is no evidence that food or the food chain is participating in transmission of this virus. And people should feel comfortable and safe.”

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/novel-coronavirus-found-on-frozen-seafood-in-china-319708">Also read:&nbsp;Novel coronavirus found on frozen seafood in China</a>

To prove the assurance,&nbsp;WHO epidemiologist Maria Van Kerkhove claimed that after testing, China found "very, very few, less than 10” samples to have traces of the novel coronavirus.

The frozen chicken wings that had traces of coronavirus were imported from Brazil, claimed China. However,&nbsp;Ecuador’s production minister, Ivan Ontaneda, has asked for a clarification from the Asian country on this matter. Brazil’s Agriculture Ministry has retaliated by saying that Brazil follows strict protocols and would not take the blame for whatever happens to the consignments after they leave the country.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-city-says-chicken-imported-from-brazil-has-tested-positive-for-coronavirus-320074">Also read:&nbsp;Chinese city says chicken imported from Brazil has tested positive for coronavirus</a>

Meanwhile, WHO has urged caution on Vladimir Putin's&nbsp;claims of Russia successfully making the COVID-19 vaccine.&nbsp;Bruce Aylward, WHO senior adviser said, “The vast majority of the population of the world is susceptible to this disease. The second thing that we are seeing is the stringency of the application of control measures is dropping. People are coming closer together...masks aren’t being used the way that they should etc.

“So any levelling of the disease that we are looking at is just lulling you into a sense of false security ... because it has lots of space to still cause trouble,” he added.

After traces of coronavirus were found on imported frozen chicken wings in China, the World Health Organization (WHO) has claimed it found no evidence of the virus being spread by food or packaging.

After traces of coronavirus were found on imported frozen chicken wings in China, the World Health Organization (WHO) has claimed it found no evidence of the virus being spread by food or packaging. The organization has also urged people not to be afraid of the virus entering the food chain. “People should not fear food, or food packaging or processing or delivery of food,” WHO head of emergencies programme Mike Ryan told a briefing in Geneva. “There is no evidence that food or the food chain is participating in transmission of this virus. And people should feel comfortable and safe.” Also read: Novel coronavirus found on frozen seafood in China To prove the assurance, WHO epidemiologist Maria Van Kerkhove claimed that after testing, China found "very, very few, less than 10” samples to have traces of the novel coronavirus. The frozen chicken wings that had traces of coronavirus were imported from Brazil, claimed China. However, Ecuador’s production minister, Ivan Ontaneda, has asked for a clarification from the Asian country on this matter. Brazil’s Agriculture Ministry has retaliated by saying that Brazil follows strict protocols and would not take the blame for whatever happens to the consignments after they leave the country. Also read: Chinese city says chicken imported from Brazil has tested positive for coronavirus Meanwhile, WHO has urged caution on Vladimir Putin's claims of Russia successfully making the COVID-19 vaccine. Bruce Aylward, WHO senior adviser said, “The vast majority of the population of the world is susceptible to this disease. The second thing that we are seeing is the stringency of the application of control measures is dropping. People are coming closer together...masks aren’t being used the way that they should etc. “So any levelling of the disease that we are looking at is just lulling you into a sense of false security ... because it has lots of space to still cause trouble,” he added.

WHO says no evidence of coronavirus on frozen food packets

A Brazilian technology institute signed a deal on Wednesday to produce Russia's coronavirus vaccine, despite state health authorities expressing concerns over the effectiveness and safety of the drug.

Government-run Parana's Technology Institute, known as Tecpar signed the deal with the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF).

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/argentina-mexico-to-produce-astrazeneca-covid-19-vaccine-320099">Argentina, Mexico to produce AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine</a>

"This is a very objective memorandum of understanding on technological exchange. It does not impose obligations, it simply enables us to work together," Jorge Callado, head of Tecpar said.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amid-scepticism-russia-says-will-produce-5-million-vaccine-doses-by-december-january-320006">Amid scepticism, Russia says will produce 5 million vaccine doses by December-January</a>

RDIF said that the objective of the deal is to "organise the production of the Sputnik V vaccine and its distribution in Brazil and other Latin American countries."

Sputnik V is yet to receive regulatory approval from Brazil and officials from Parana have said that Phase 3 clinical trials of the vaccine are to be done before the production kicks off.&nbsp;

However, the institute has said that the vaccine could be imported earlier than the production date if it gets approval from Brazil's federal health regulator Anvisa.

Meanwhile, health experts and former officials on Tuesday expressed their concerns over the safety of the vaccine, which was not a part of massive human trials to convince many professionals of its safety.&nbsp;

On Tuesday, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced that Sputnik V has been given state approval as the drug to treat coronavirus, adding that his daughter has also received a shot of the vaccine and felt "well".&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

A Brazilian technology institute signed a deal on Wednesday to produce Russia's coronavirus vaccine, despite state health authorities expressing concerns over the effectiveness and safety of the drug.

A Brazilian technology institute signed a deal on Wednesday to produce Russia's coronavirus vaccine, despite state health authorities expressing concerns over the effectiveness and safety of the drug. Government-run Parana's Technology Institute, known as Tecpar signed the deal with the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF). Also read | Argentina, Mexico to produce AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine "This is a very objective memorandum of understanding on technological exchange. It does not impose obligations, it simply enables us to work together," Jorge Callado, head of Tecpar said. Also read | Amid scepticism, Russia says will produce 5 million vaccine doses by December-January RDIF said that the objective of the deal is to "organise the production of the Sputnik V vaccine and its distribution in Brazil and other Latin American countries." Sputnik V is yet to receive regulatory approval from Brazil and officials from Parana have said that Phase 3 clinical trials of the vaccine are to be done before the production kicks off. However, the institute has said that the vaccine could be imported earlier than the production date if it gets approval from Brazil's federal health regulator Anvisa. Meanwhile, health experts and former officials on Tuesday expressed their concerns over the safety of the vaccine, which was not a part of massive human trials to convince many professionals of its safety. On Tuesday, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced that Sputnik V has been given state approval as the drug to treat coronavirus, adding that his daughter has also received a shot of the vaccine and felt "well".

Brazilian state signs deal to produce Russia's coronavirus vaccine

A sample of frozen chicken wings imported into the southern Chinese city of Shenzhen from Brazil has tested positive for coronavirus, the city government said on Thursday.

This comes close on the heels of China reporting that coronavirus had been found on the packaging of shrimps imported from Ecuador, and several other cities have reported cases of contaminated seafood since June.

A surface sample was taken from a batch of chicken wings and tested by local disease control centres on Wednesday.

Shenzhen's health authorities traced and tested everyone who might have come into contact with potentially contaminated food products, and also tested food products stored near the infected batch. All the results were negative, the government said in a notice.

The Shenzhen Epidemic Prevention and Control Headquarters said the public needed to remain cautious when it comes to imported meat and seafood, and must take precautions in order to reduce infection risks.

China has been screening all meat and seafood containers coming into major ports since June, when a new outbreak of COVID-19 in the capital Beijing was linked to the city's Xinfadi seafood market.

A sample of frozen chicken wings imported into the southern Chinese city of Shenzhen from Brazil has tested positive for coronavirus, the city government said on Thursday.

A sample of frozen chicken wings imported into the southern Chinese city of Shenzhen from Brazil has tested positive for coronavirus, the city government said on Thursday. This comes close on the heels of China reporting that coronavirus had been found on the packaging of shrimps imported from Ecuador, and several other cities have reported cases of contaminated seafood since June. A surface sample was taken from a batch of chicken wings and tested by local disease control centres on Wednesday. Shenzhen's health authorities traced and tested everyone who might have come into contact with potentially contaminated food products, and also tested food products stored near the infected batch. All the results were negative, the government said in a notice. The Shenzhen Epidemic Prevention and Control Headquarters said the public needed to remain cautious when it comes to imported meat and seafood, and must take precautions in order to reduce infection risks. China has been screening all meat and seafood containers coming into major ports since June, when a new outbreak of COVID-19 in the capital Beijing was linked to the city's Xinfadi seafood market.

Chinese city says chicken imported from Brazil has tested positive for coronavirus

Brazil's death toll from the novel coronavirus passed 100,000 on Saturday, and barrels onward as most cities reopen shops and dining even though the pandemic is yet to peak.

The country is confronting its most lethal outbreak since the Spanish flu a century ago. The health ministry on Saturday reported 49,970 new confirmed cases and 905 deaths in the last 24 hours, raising the number of cases to more than 3 million and the death toll to 100,477.

Brazil reported its first cases of COVID-19 at the end of February. The virus took three months to kill 50,000 people, and just 50 days to kill the next 50,000.

Public health xperts have, however, said that it looks like the Brazilians, led by President Jair Bolsonaro, are under collective anesthesia as they have been downplaying the gravity of the pandemic. They have also raised the alarm that Brazil still has no coordinated plan to fight the pandemic, as many officials focus on "reopening," which is likely to boost the spread of the disease and worsen the outbreak.

Brazil's Supreme Court and Congress, institutions that have criticized Bolsonaro's handling of the pandemic, respectively declared three and four days of national mourning for the 100,000 dead.

Two health ministers, both physicians, have resigned over differences with Bolsonaro. The acting health minister is an army general who has abandoned the call for social distancing, which experts says is essential but the president opposes.

Bolsonaro, who has called COVID-19 a "little flu," says he recovered from his own infection thanks to hydroxychloroquine, an anti-malarial drug that remains unproven against the coronavirus.

Brazil's death toll from the novel coronavirus passed 100,000 on Saturday, and barrels onward as most cities reopen shops and dining even though the pandemic is yet to peak.

Brazil's death toll from the novel coronavirus passed 100,000 on Saturday, and barrels onward as most cities reopen shops and dining even though the pandemic is yet to peak. The country is confronting its most lethal outbreak since the Spanish flu a century ago. The health ministry on Saturday reported 49,970 new confirmed cases and 905 deaths in the last 24 hours, raising the number of cases to more than 3 million and the death toll to 100,477. Brazil reported its first cases of COVID-19 at the end of February. The virus took three months to kill 50,000 people, and just 50 days to kill the next 50,000. Public health xperts have, however, said that it looks like the Brazilians, led by President Jair Bolsonaro, are under collective anesthesia as they have been downplaying the gravity of the pandemic. They have also raised the alarm that Brazil still has no coordinated plan to fight the pandemic, as many officials focus on "reopening," which is likely to boost the spread of the disease and worsen the outbreak. Brazil's Supreme Court and Congress, institutions that have criticized Bolsonaro's handling of the pandemic, respectively declared three and four days of national mourning for the 100,000 dead. Two health ministers, both physicians, have resigned over differences with Bolsonaro. The acting health minister is an army general who has abandoned the call for social distancing, which experts says is essential but the president opposes. Bolsonaro, who has called COVID-19 a "little flu," says he recovered from his own infection thanks to hydroxychloroquine, an anti-malarial drug that remains unproven against the coronavirus.

Brazil coronavirus deaths reach 100,000 and continue to rise

The Spanish bishop Pedro Casaldaliga, a fervent defender of the indigenous people of the Amazon, died Saturday at the age of 92 in Brazil, where he had been living since 1968, his office said.

The Prelature of Sao Felix do Araguaia, in the central-western state of Mato Grosso, where Casaldaliga was bishop emeritus, announced in a statement that he passed away in the morning at hospital in Batatais, near Sao Paulo.

He had been in intensive care due to respiratory problems and was suffering from Parkinson's disease.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pope-francis-silence-is-puzzling-as-chinese-hackers-infiltrate-vatican-316820">Also read:&nbsp;Pope Francis' silence is puzzling as Chinese hackers infiltrate Vatican</a>

"Our land, our people are losing today an example of generous living for a better world; we will miss him very much," former left-wing President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva tweeted.

Born in 1928 in Balsareny, Catalonia, and ordained a priest in 1952, he went on mission to Sao Felix do Araguaia, in the heart of the Brazilian Amazon, in 1968, while the country was under a military dictatorship.

He opposed the regime, the wealthy landowning class, and even the Vatican, defending the landless and indigenous people.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brazilian-bishop-believes-covid-crisis-a-sign-from-god-dies-of-coronavirus-316204">Also read:&nbsp;Brazilian Bishop believes covid-crisis a ‘sign from God’, dies of coronavirus</a>

"In this country, it is easy to be born and die, but difficult to live," the prelate told AFP in 2012, as a TV series about his life was released -- "Barefoot on Red Soil," from the book of the same name by Catalonian writer Francesc Escribano.&nbsp;

Living under the constant threat of hired killers in the pay of large landowners, he was one of the founders of the Pastoral Land Commission (CPT) and the Indigenous Missionary Council (CIMI), two key bodies in the struggle for agrarian reform.&nbsp;

In 1998, Bishop Casaldaliga was called to Rome, where he underwent a tough interrogation by the then Prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, who seven years later became Pope Benedict XVI.

In Spain, where news of Casaldaliga's death gained considerable media attention, government spokeswoman Maria Jesus Montero expressed "recognition and gratitude" for the bishop's dedication of his "life to serving the poor."

The Spanish Foreign Ministry expressed its condolences as well, noting Casaldaliga's "enormous religious, humanitarian and social work, whose tangible legacy resulted in... the creation of schools and medical assistance centers."

At the end of last month, Casaldaliga and 150 other Brazilian bishops signed an open letter criticizing the extreme right-wing president Jair Bolsonaro, castigating his "incompetence" and his "inability" to manage the coronavirus health crisis, which has caused nearly 100,000 deaths in Brazil -- including several hundred indigenous people.&nbsp;

The Spanish bishop Pedro Casaldaliga, a fervent defender of the indigenous people of the Amazon, died Saturday at the age of 92 in Brazil, where he had been living since 1968, his office said.

The Spanish bishop Pedro Casaldaliga, a fervent defender of the indigenous people of the Amazon, died Saturday at the age of 92 in Brazil, where he had been living since 1968, his office said. The Prelature of Sao Felix do Araguaia, in the central-western state of Mato Grosso, where Casaldaliga was bishop emeritus, announced in a statement that he passed away in the morning at hospital in Batatais, near Sao Paulo. He had been in intensive care due to respiratory problems and was suffering from Parkinson's disease. Also read: Pope Francis' silence is puzzling as Chinese hackers infiltrate Vatican "Our land, our people are losing today an example of generous living for a better world; we will miss him very much," former left-wing President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva tweeted. Born in 1928 in Balsareny, Catalonia, and ordained a priest in 1952, he went on mission to Sao Felix do Araguaia, in the heart of the Brazilian Amazon, in 1968, while the country was under a military dictatorship. He opposed the regime, the wealthy landowning class, and even the Vatican, defending the landless and indigenous people. Also read: Brazilian Bishop believes covid-crisis a ‘sign from God’, dies of coronavirus "In this country, it is easy to be born and die, but difficult to live," the prelate told AFP in 2012, as a TV series about his life was released -- "Barefoot on Red Soil," from the book of the same name by Catalonian writer Francesc Escribano. Living under the constant threat of hired killers in the pay of large landowners, he was one of the founders of the Pastoral Land Commission (CPT) and the Indigenous Missionary Council (CIMI), two key bodies in the struggle for agrarian reform. In 1998, Bishop Casaldaliga was called to Rome, where he underwent a tough interrogation by the then Prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, who seven years later became Pope Benedict XVI. In Spain, where news of Casaldaliga's death gained considerable media attention, government spokeswoman Maria Jesus Montero expressed "recognition and gratitude" for the bishop's dedication of his "life to serving the poor." The Spanish Foreign Ministry expressed its condolences as well, noting Casaldaliga's "enormous religious, humanitarian and social work, whose tangible legacy resulted in... the creation of schools and medical assistance centers." At the end of last month, Casaldaliga and 150 other Brazilian bishops signed an open letter criticizing the extreme right-wing president Jair Bolsonaro, castigating his "incompetence" and his "inability" to manage the coronavirus health crisis, which has caused nearly 100,000 deaths in Brazil -- including several hundred indigenous people.

Bishop who defended indigenous people dies in Brazil aged 92

Connecting the forests means more space for the primates to roam and reproduce, and so to sustain genetic diversity

Brazil builds corridor to preserve Golden Lion Monkeys

Brazil on Saturday surpassed 100,000 coronavirus deaths and three million cases of infection, according to the latest tally from the Ministry of Health.

Brazil crosses 1 lakh Coronavirus deaths | South America | sao paulo | World News

Rio de Janeiro's Christ the Redeemer was lit up in the Lebanese flag on Thursday (August 6) to commemorate the victims of this week's deadly blast in Beirut.

Rio's Christ the Redeemer lit up in Lebanese flag in solidarity

Some residents of Sao Paulo, Brazil's largest city, spent the night queuing to receive a free COVID-19 test. The drive-thru tests were carried out by the Butantan Institute for Biological Research in Sao Paulo state. They were conducted in the parking lot of a city mall.

Sao Paulo residents queue at drive-thru test site

As the coronavirus cases in Brazil seem to be getting worse with every passing day, worries are not ending for the Brazilian President's cabinet .

On Monday Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro's Chief of Staff&nbsp;Walter Souza Braga Netto announced that the Army General has tested positive for COVID-19.

Netto has claimed that he is showing no symtptoms but will&nbsp;remain in isolation until a new examination and medical evaluation is carried out, and will continue to work remotely.

<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>

He is the seventh minister of Bolsonaro's cabinet to catch the novel coronavirus — which Bolsonaro believes is "just a virus".

The news came almost a week after Michelle Bolsonaro, the wife of the Brazilian President, tested positive&nbsp;for the novel&nbsp;coronavirus.

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It is also comes days after the President announced he was now virus-free but also said that he still is not completely healthy as he claims to have <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brazil-president-bolsonaro-says-he-has-mold-in-lungs-317263">mold in his lungs</a>. There were no further details provided on this matter.

Brazil has the second-worst coronavirus outbreak in the world after the United States. The South American country has registered more than 2.75 million cases of the virus since the pandemic began, while the official death toll has risen to 94,665, according to health ministry data.

As the coronavirus cases in Brazil seem to be getting worse with every passing day, worries are not ending for the Brazilian President's cabinet . On Monday Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro's Chief of Staff Walter Souza Braga Netto announced that the Army General has tested positive for COVID-19.

As the coronavirus cases in Brazil seem to be getting worse with every passing day, worries are not ending for the Brazilian President's cabinet . On Monday Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro's Chief of Staff Walter Souza Braga Netto announced that the Army General has tested positive for COVID-19. Netto has claimed that he is showing no symtptoms but will remain in isolation until a new examination and medical evaluation is carried out, and will continue to work remotely. Also read| 'People die every day': Jair Bolsonaro asks Brazilians to 'face up to' coronavirus He is the seventh minister of Bolsonaro's cabinet to catch the novel coronavirus — which Bolsonaro believes is "just a virus". The news came almost a week after Michelle Bolsonaro, the wife of the Brazilian President, tested positive for the novel coronavirus. × It is also comes days after the President announced he was now virus-free but also said that he still is not completely healthy as he claims to have mold in his lungs. There were no further details provided on this matter. Brazil has the second-worst coronavirus outbreak in the world after the United States. The South American country has registered more than 2.75 million cases of the virus since the pandemic began, while the official death toll has risen to 94,665, according to health ministry data.

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro's Chief of Staff tests positive for COVID-19

More than 540 new coronavirus-related deaths were confirmed in Brazil in the past 24 hours, bringing the total death toll up to over 94,000, according to the latest data from the Health Ministry.

Brazil now has a total of 2,733,677 confirmed COVID-19 cases, with 25,800 new cases having been registered in the past 24 hours, the health ministry said on Sunday. Over the same period, 541 new deaths were confirmed, bringing the country`s total death toll up to 94,104.

On Saturday, Brazil reported 45,392 new coronavirus cases and 1,088 new deaths from COVID-19. On Friday, Brazil reported 52,383 new COVID-19 cases and over 1,200 new coronavirus-related deaths.

<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>

A week ago, Brazil`s coronavirus death toll stood at around 87,000 thus the country has seen a weekly rise of about 7,000 coronavirus-related fatalities, one thousand less than the previous weekly rise.

Over 1.8 million people have recovered from COVID-19 in Brazil since the start of the epidemic in the country, according to the health ministry.

On Friday, Mexico surpassed the United Kingdom in the coronavirus death toll count, becoming the country with the third-largest number of COVID-19 fatalities, after the United States and Brazil. The US and Brazil are also the top two countries in terms of the total number of coronavirus cases.

More than 540 new coronavirus-related deaths were confirmed in Brazil in the past 24 hours, bringing the total death toll up to over 94,000, according to the latest data from the Health Ministry.

More than 540 new coronavirus-related deaths were confirmed in Brazil in the past 24 hours, bringing the total death toll up to over 94,000, according to the latest data from the Health Ministry. Brazil now has a total of 2,733,677 confirmed COVID-19 cases, with 25,800 new cases having been registered in the past 24 hours, the health ministry said on Sunday. Over the same period, 541 new deaths were confirmed, bringing the country`s total death toll up to 94,104. On Saturday, Brazil reported 45,392 new coronavirus cases and 1,088 new deaths from COVID-19. On Friday, Brazil reported 52,383 new COVID-19 cases and over 1,200 new coronavirus-related deaths. Also read| 'People die every day': Jair Bolsonaro asks Brazilians to 'face up to' coronavirus A week ago, Brazil`s coronavirus death toll stood at around 87,000 thus the country has seen a weekly rise of about 7,000 coronavirus-related fatalities, one thousand less than the previous weekly rise. Over 1.8 million people have recovered from COVID-19 in Brazil since the start of the epidemic in the country, according to the health ministry. On Friday, Mexico surpassed the United Kingdom in the coronavirus death toll count, becoming the country with the third-largest number of COVID-19 fatalities, after the United States and Brazil. The US and Brazil are also the top two countries in terms of the total number of coronavirus cases.

Brazil's COVID-19 death toll surpasses 94,000

Facebook condemned Saturday what it called an "extreme" ruling by a Brazilian Supreme Court judge ordering it to block the accounts of 12 high-profile allies of President Jair Bolsonaro, which it vowed to appeal.

Brazil's Supreme Court is overseeing an investigation into allegations that members of the far-right president's inner circle ran a social media campaign to discredit the court, as well as slander and threaten its judges.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/facebook-agrees-to-pay-650m-to-settle-facial-recognition-lawsuit-317458" hreflang="en">Facebook agrees to pay $650M to settle facial recognition lawsuit</a>

A spokesperson for Facebook said the order was "extreme" and threatens "freedom of expression outside of Brazil's jurisdiction", but said the company has agreed to the order.

"Given the threat of criminal liability to a local employee, at this point we see no other alternative than complying with the decision by blocking the accounts globally, while we appeal to the Supreme Court," the spokesperson said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bolsonaros-poll-numbers-rise-in-brazil-despite-controversial-virus-handling-315855">Bolsonaro's poll numbers rise in Brazil despite controversial virus handling</a>

Justice Alexandre de Moraes had ruled on Thursday that Facebook and Twitter failed to comply with orders to block the accounts because they were only blocked within Brazil, but remained accessible with foreign IP addresses.

On Friday, he ruled that Facebook must pay a $367,710&nbsp;fine for not complying and face further daily fines of 100,000 reais per day if it does not block the accounts in question globally.

Before the fine was announced, Facebook said on Friday that it would appeal the decision. The world's largest social network said it respects the laws of countries where it operates, but that "Brazilian law recognizes the limits of its jurisdiction."

The judge's fine only addressed Facebook's non-compliance. It was not clear whether Twitter would face a similar fine.

The judge originally decided in May to block 16 Twitter accounts and 12 Facebook accounts of Bolsonaro supporters who have been linked to a probe into the spreading of fake news during Brazil's 2018 election.

The accounts were blocked due to allegations that they violated laws on hate speech.

Facebook condemned Saturday what it called an "extreme" ruling by a Brazilian Supreme Court judge ordering it to block the accounts of 12 high-profile allies of President Jair Bolsonaro, which it vowed to appeal.

Facebook condemned Saturday what it called an "extreme" ruling by a Brazilian Supreme Court judge ordering it to block the accounts of 12 high-profile allies of President Jair Bolsonaro, which it vowed to appeal. Brazil's Supreme Court is overseeing an investigation into allegations that members of the far-right president's inner circle ran a social media campaign to discredit the court, as well as slander and threaten its judges. Also read: Facebook agrees to pay $650M to settle facial recognition lawsuit A spokesperson for Facebook said the order was "extreme" and threatens "freedom of expression outside of Brazil's jurisdiction", but said the company has agreed to the order. "Given the threat of criminal liability to a local employee, at this point we see no other alternative than complying with the decision by blocking the accounts globally, while we appeal to the Supreme Court," the spokesperson said. Also read: Bolsonaro's poll numbers rise in Brazil despite controversial virus handling Justice Alexandre de Moraes had ruled on Thursday that Facebook and Twitter failed to comply with orders to block the accounts because they were only blocked within Brazil, but remained accessible with foreign IP addresses. On Friday, he ruled that Facebook must pay a $367,710 fine for not complying and face further daily fines of 100,000 reais per day if it does not block the accounts in question globally. Before the fine was announced, Facebook said on Friday that it would appeal the decision. The world's largest social network said it respects the laws of countries where it operates, but that "Brazilian law recognizes the limits of its jurisdiction." The judge's fine only addressed Facebook's non-compliance. It was not clear whether Twitter would face a similar fine. The judge originally decided in May to block 16 Twitter accounts and 12 Facebook accounts of Bolsonaro supporters who have been linked to a probe into the spreading of fake news during Brazil's 2018 election. The accounts were blocked due to allegations that they violated laws on hate speech.

Facebook slams 'extreme' ruling blocking Bolsonaro allies

The Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has been underplaying the novel coronavirus since the start of it. He has always maintained that the pandemic is 'just a virus'.&nbsp;

Now, weeks after recovering for the coronavirus, his wife, Michelle Bolsonaro, has tested positive. However, Jair Bolsonaro still feels that there is nothing to worry about and Brazilians should just&nbsp;"face up to it".

"I'm in the high-risk group," the 65-year-old president told journalists during a visit to the southern state of Rio Grande do Sul.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brazils-first-lady-tests-positive-for-covid-19-317123">Also read:&nbsp;Brazil's first lady tests positive for COVID-19</a>

"I knew I was going to catch it someday, as I think unfortunately nearly everyone here is going to catch it eventually. What are you afraid of? Face up to it," he said.

"I regret the deaths. But people die every day, from lots of things. That's life," he added.

Bolsonaro, after recovering from the novel coronavirus,&nbsp;was seen addressing a crowd recently where he greeted the attendees by removing his face mask. The same day, the President's House officials announced that Michelle Bolsonaro has tested positive for coronvairus weeks after her husband did.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brazil-president-bolsonaro-says-he-has-mold-in-lungs-317263">Also read:&nbsp;Brazil President Bolsonaro says he has 'mold' in lungs</a>

However, the Brazilian President still feels that this is 'just a flu' that can be dealt with easily. Protesting against the 'stay-at-home' campaign,&nbsp;he is instead pushing the drug hydroxychloroquine as a treatment for the virus. he also claimed to take it himself when he was infected, despite numerous studies claiming it has no benefit against COVID-19.

On Friday he also reported that he has been again feeling low and is on medication for&nbsp;"moldy lungs" which have been apparently caused due to his inactivity during his quarantine — when he was spotted feeding, and being attacked by, birds and was also seen riding motorcycles.

The Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has been underplaying the novel coronavirus since the start of it. He has always maintained that the pandemic is 'just a virus'.

The Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has been underplaying the novel coronavirus since the start of it. He has always maintained that the pandemic is 'just a virus'. Now, weeks after recovering for the coronavirus, his wife, Michelle Bolsonaro, has tested positive. However, Jair Bolsonaro still feels that there is nothing to worry about and Brazilians should just "face up to it". "I'm in the high-risk group," the 65-year-old president told journalists during a visit to the southern state of Rio Grande do Sul. Also read: Brazil's first lady tests positive for COVID-19 "I knew I was going to catch it someday, as I think unfortunately nearly everyone here is going to catch it eventually. What are you afraid of? Face up to it," he said. "I regret the deaths. But people die every day, from lots of things. That's life," he added. Bolsonaro, after recovering from the novel coronavirus, was seen addressing a crowd recently where he greeted the attendees by removing his face mask. The same day, the President's House officials announced that Michelle Bolsonaro has tested positive for coronvairus weeks after her husband did. Also read: Brazil President Bolsonaro says he has 'mold' in lungs However, the Brazilian President still feels that this is 'just a flu' that can be dealt with easily. Protesting against the 'stay-at-home' campaign, he is instead pushing the drug hydroxychloroquine as a treatment for the virus. he also claimed to take it himself when he was infected, despite numerous studies claiming it has no benefit against COVID-19. On Friday he also reported that he has been again feeling low and is on medication for "moldy lungs" which have been apparently caused due to his inactivity during his quarantine — when he was spotted feeding, and being attacked by, birds and was also seen riding motorcycles.

'People die every day': Jair Bolsonaro asks Brazilians to 'face up to' coronavirus

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