Donald Trump, Jair Bolsonaro and Xi Jinping lead three different countries in three different continents, but have a lot in common.&nbsp;

All three presidents projected themselves as outsiders to win power and they cannot stand criticism, especially, when it comes from the media.&nbsp;

The United States, Brazil and China are on the same boat. US president Donald Trump promised to make America great again, but the country is worst hit by the coronavirus.

The US coronavirus outbreak crossed a grim milestone of over 3 million confirmed cases that has put President Donald Trump’s handling of the crisis under the microscope and derailed efforts to restart the economy. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/xi-jinpings-hunger-for-power-grows-as-china-struggles-with-pandemic-311714">Also read: Xi Jinping's hunger for power grows as China struggles with pandemic</a> 
 
Authorities have reported alarming upswings of daily caseloads in roughly two dozen states over the past two weeks, a sign that efforts to control transmission of the novel coronavirus have failed in large swaths of the country.&nbsp;

In Brazil, Bolsonaro remained in denial and encouraged protests against the lockdown and now he himself has tested positive for coronavirus. He has regularly appeared in public without a mask and on Friday vetoed parts of a bill that made the use of masks mandatory in public places.

Brazil has the second-highest number of coronavirus cases with over 60,000 deaths so far. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-urges-china-to-free-activists-on-crackdown-anniversary-311720">Also Read: EU urges China to free activists on crackdown anniversary</a>

China's coronavirus cover-up allowed the virus to spread all over the world and Xi Jinping's lust for power has isolated his country.&nbsp; 
 
Several world leaders have accused China of spreading coronavirus across the world, calling for it to be held ‘fully accountable’. Many have alleged that coronavirus originated in a laboratory in Wuhan, however, China has refuted the allegations.

Donald Trump, Jair Bolsonaro and Xi Jinping failed to handle a serious health emergency, and now their countries are paying the price for their self-obsession and failures. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Donald Trump, Jair Bolsonaro and Xi Jinping lead three different countries in three different continents, but have a lot in common. All three presidents projected themselves as outsiders to win power and they cannot stand criticism, especially, when it comes from the media.

Donald Trump, Jair Bolsonaro and Xi Jinping lead three different countries in three different continents, but have a lot in common. All three presidents projected themselves as outsiders to win power and they cannot stand criticism, especially, when it comes from the media. The United States, Brazil and China are on the same boat. US president Donald Trump promised to make America great again, but the country is worst hit by the coronavirus. The US coronavirus outbreak crossed a grim milestone of over 3 million confirmed cases that has put President Donald Trump’s handling of the crisis under the microscope and derailed efforts to restart the economy. Also read: Xi Jinping's hunger for power grows as China struggles with pandemic Authorities have reported alarming upswings of daily caseloads in roughly two dozen states over the past two weeks, a sign that efforts to control transmission of the novel coronavirus have failed in large swaths of the country. In Brazil, Bolsonaro remained in denial and encouraged protests against the lockdown and now he himself has tested positive for coronavirus. He has regularly appeared in public without a mask and on Friday vetoed parts of a bill that made the use of masks mandatory in public places. Brazil has the second-highest number of coronavirus cases with over 60,000 deaths so far. Also Read: EU urges China to free activists on crackdown anniversary China's coronavirus cover-up allowed the virus to spread all over the world and Xi Jinping's lust for power has isolated his country. Several world leaders have accused China of spreading coronavirus across the world, calling for it to be held ‘fully accountable’. Many have alleged that coronavirus originated in a laboratory in Wuhan, however, China has refuted the allegations. Donald Trump, Jair Bolsonaro and Xi Jinping failed to handle a serious health emergency, and now their countries are paying the price for their self-obsession and failures. (With inputs from agencies)

A tale of three presidents who've pushed their countries to the edge

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro said on Tuesday (July 7) he tested positive for the novel coronavirus after months of playing down the severity of the virus and defying medical experts, even as the pandemic killed more than 65,000 people in his country.

"It's not just a little flu". Brazilians jeer and cheer Covid-positive Bolsonaro

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has tested positive for COVID-19. The leader announced the news on live television.

On Tuesday during a press briefing, Bolsonaro said that “it came back positive”, while alluding to the test.

The Brazilian leader, 65, had constantly downplayed the pandemic. Additionally, he did not adhere to any social distancing norms.&nbsp;

Currently, Brazil has the second-most coronavirus cases after the United States. Over 65,000 deaths have been recorded, and over 1.5 million cases of the virus have been confirmed in the country.

Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brazil-president-says-death-was-everyones-destiny-as-country-registers-1349-deaths-305715">&nbsp;Brazil president says death was 'everyone's destiny' as country registers 1,349 deaths</a>

When coronavirus infections were just picking up in Brazil in March, Bolsonaro claimed that he would be able to rid himself of the virus owing to his "athlete's background".

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="http://wionews.com/videos/brazils-president-bolsonaro-undergoes-another-test-for-covid-19-311322/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The outspoken leader started exhibiting symptoms of the virus on Monday evening, running a fever of 38 degree&nbsp;Celsius, accompanied by persistent cough.

Also read: <a href="http://wionews.com/world/brazilian-president-bolsonaro-says-lungs-clean-after-coronavirus-test-311255">Brazilian President Bolsonaro says lungs 'clean' after coronavirus test</a>

He had earlier claimed that his lungs were "clean", while referring to his MRI.&nbsp;"I can't get very close," he said in comments recorded by Foco do Brasil, a YouTube channel. "I came from the hospital. I underwent a lung scan. The lung's clean."

Like his buddy Trump, Bolsonaro had constantly asked for a revival of the economy, not taking into account the risks it poses to the lives of citizens, especially considering how easily COVID-19 spreads among people, even though it has a low fatality rate. People with co-morbidities face a risk of dying after contracting the virus.

Currently, Brazil has no permanent health minister after the last two abruptly left owing to the spat with Bolsonaro in his handling of the virus.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brazils-president-jair-bolsonaro-undergoing-covid-19-test-after-showing-symptoms-311239">Brazil’s President Jair Bolsonaro undergoing Covid-19 test after showing symptoms</a>

Earlier, his office had claimed that the president was "in good health" at this home. Just before his diagnosis, the leader had attended a dinner with the US ambassador to Brazil, Todd Chapman, in the country's capital - Brasilia.

A CNN report claimed that Bolsonaro had been taking&nbsp;hydroxychloroquine and azithromycin, which were earlier claimed as effective treatments for the virus, but since then have lost all medical grounds for their&nbsp;usage.

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has tested positive for COVID-19. The leader announced the news on live television. On Tuesday during a press briefing, Bolsonaro said that “it came back positive”, while alluding to the test.

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has tested positive for COVID-19. The leader announced the news on live television. On Tuesday during a press briefing, Bolsonaro said that “it came back positive”, while alluding to the test. The Brazilian leader, 65, had constantly downplayed the pandemic. Additionally, he did not adhere to any social distancing norms. Currently, Brazil has the second-most coronavirus cases after the United States. Over 65,000 deaths have been recorded, and over 1.5 million cases of the virus have been confirmed in the country. Also read: Brazil president says death was 'everyone's destiny' as country registers 1,349 deaths When coronavirus infections were just picking up in Brazil in March, Bolsonaro claimed that he would be able to rid himself of the virus owing to his "athlete's background". The outspoken leader started exhibiting symptoms of the virus on Monday evening, running a fever of 38 degree Celsius, accompanied by persistent cough. Also read: Brazilian President Bolsonaro says lungs 'clean' after coronavirus test He had earlier claimed that his lungs were "clean", while referring to his MRI. "I can't get very close," he said in comments recorded by Foco do Brasil, a YouTube channel. "I came from the hospital. I underwent a lung scan. The lung's clean." Like his buddy Trump, Bolsonaro had constantly asked for a revival of the economy, not taking into account the risks it poses to the lives of citizens, especially considering how easily COVID-19 spreads among people, even though it has a low fatality rate. People with co-morbidities face a risk of dying after contracting the virus. Currently, Brazil has no permanent health minister after the last two abruptly left owing to the spat with Bolsonaro in his handling of the virus. Also read: Brazil’s President Jair Bolsonaro undergoing Covid-19 test after showing symptoms Earlier, his office had claimed that the president was "in good health" at this home. Just before his diagnosis, the leader had attended a dinner with the US ambassador to Brazil, Todd Chapman, in the country's capital - Brasilia. A CNN report claimed that Bolsonaro had been taking hydroxychloroquine and azithromycin, which were earlier claimed as effective treatments for the virus, but since then have lost all medical grounds for their usage.

Brazilian President Bolsonaro tests positive for COVID-19

Brazil’s President Jair Bolsonaro has undergone another test for Covid-19 after showing symptoms of the virus.

Brazil’s President Bolsonaro undergoes another test for COVID-19

A study suggested that fires surged in Brazil's Amazon forest in the month of June to highest rate in 13 years.

Study: Fires surge in Brazil's Amazon forest in the month of June to highest rate in 13 years

Over a thousand food deliverymen on motorcycles gathered in São Paulo on Wednesday (July 01) to protest their work conditions, set by Uber and other apps, with their services in high demand due to coronavirus lockdowns.

'At the mercy of their own luck' - Brazilian app delivery drivers protest working conditions

Brazil's COVID-19 death toll climbed to 60,632 on Wednesday after 1,038 deaths were reported the previous day

Brazil's COVID-19 death toll exceeds 60,000

Brazil's military delivered protective material and medicines on Tuesday (June 30) by helicopter to isolated Amazon indigenous communities bordering Venezuela and tested frightened members for COVID-19.

Brazil military moves to protect Indigenous people from COVID-19 deep in Amazon forest

A thousand crosses placed in front of Brazil's Congress to honour people who have died from COVID-19 and to denounce President Jair Bolsonaro's handling of the pandemic, set against Bolsonaro supporters demonstrating in Brasilia on Sunday (June 28), showcased a divided country.

Crosses to honour coronavirus victims: Virus-hit Brazil remains split

Two milestones served to illustrate Sao Paulo's emergence from the shadow of the coronavirus crisis on Monday (June 29): the closure of a temporary field hospital to treat COVID-19 patients and the reopening of Sao Paulo's Catholic Cathedral for public religious services.

Field hospital closes, church reopens as Sao Paulo sees light at end of coronavirus tunnel

More than half a million people have lost their lives due to coronavirus, according to the figures by Johns Hopkins University on Monday.&nbsp;

According to the tracker, the United States accounts for over one-fourth of the total deaths worldwide, with 125,763 fatalities, followed by Brazil with 57,070, and 43,634 in the UK.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-australia-witnesses-record-spike-in-months-amid-fears-of-second-wave-309265">COVID-19: Australia witnesses record spike in months amid fears of second wave</a>

The overall infections have surpassed 10 million-mark, with the US having 2.5 million cases alone.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brazil-records-259105-covid-19-infections-in-seven-days-309282">Brazil records 259,105 COVID-19 infections in seven days</a>

The number of infections is surging in Brazil and India, with over 1.3 million and 5 million cases respectively.&nbsp;

Europe, which was earlier an epicentre of the virus, has over 2.6 million cases, but the daily figures have come down significantly.&nbsp;

The US, which was on its way to reopening its economy, is also seeing a jump in new infections in big states such as Florida and California.&nbsp;

California had earlier asked some areas to reimpose stay-at-home orders and now ordered bars in Los Angeles and six other counties to shut down.&nbsp;

Florida Governor said there had been an "explosion" in new cases after the state notched a record 9,585 infections in 24 hours.

China, from where the virus originated, has imposed a strict lockdown, impacting half a million people, in a province near capital Beijing after a cluster leading to a surge in cases.&nbsp;

(With agency inputs) 
&nbsp;

More than half a million people have lost their lives due to coronavirus, according to the figures by Johns Hopkins University on Monday. According to the tracker, the United States accounts for over one-fourth of the total deaths worldwide, with 125,763 fatalities, followed by Brazil with 57,070, and 43,634 in the UK.

More than half a million people have lost their lives due to coronavirus, according to the figures by Johns Hopkins University on Monday. According to the tracker, the United States accounts for over one-fourth of the total deaths worldwide, with 125,763 fatalities, followed by Brazil with 57,070, and 43,634 in the UK. Also read | COVID-19: Australia witnesses record spike in months amid fears of second wave The overall infections have surpassed 10 million-mark, with the US having 2.5 million cases alone. Also read | Brazil records 259,105 COVID-19 infections in seven days The number of infections is surging in Brazil and India, with over 1.3 million and 5 million cases respectively. Europe, which was earlier an epicentre of the virus, has over 2.6 million cases, but the daily figures have come down significantly. The US, which was on its way to reopening its economy, is also seeing a jump in new infections in big states such as Florida and California. California had earlier asked some areas to reimpose stay-at-home orders and now ordered bars in Los Angeles and six other counties to shut down. Florida Governor said there had been an "explosion" in new cases after the state notched a record 9,585 infections in 24 hours. China, from where the virus originated, has imposed a strict lockdown, impacting half a million people, in a province near capital Beijing after a cluster leading to a surge in cases. (With agency inputs)

More than 500,000 dead from coronavirus; one-fourth in US

Rio de Janeiro on Saturday reopened its stores, hairdresser's and beauty saloons after more than 100 days of shutdown to curb the COVID-19 pandemic.

Rio de Janeiro reopens all stores, saloons

Last week was the deadliest in Brazil's COVID-19 outbreak so far. The country reported around 260,000 cases and more than 7,000 deaths in just 7 days. Watch report.

Coronavirus Pandemic: 260,000 COVID-19 cases in Brazil 'deadliest week'

Brazil announced on Saturday that it had signed a $127 million agreement to start producing locally an experimental vaccine developed by AstraZeneca that has shown promise to fight the COVID-19 pandemic.

Brazil to produce AstraZeneca's experimental COVID-19 vaccine

The controversial leader of the South American nation — currently the second country in the world in coronavirus cases and fatalities — has for long been criticized for downplaying the seriousness of COVID-19

Bolsonaro fails to steer Brazil thorugh pandemic storm

Brazil has recorded a steep surge in single day spike of COVID-19 cases on Wednesday. The South American country reported 42,725 cases in the last 24 hours, as per health ministry. Many health experts have warned the country was easing lockdown too soon.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-us-records-highest-single-day-spike-california-texas-among-states-worst-hit-308413">COVID-19: US records highest single day spike; death toll rises to 121,000</a>

The country also reported 1,185 deaths in the last 24 hours bringing the death toll to 53,830.&nbsp;

This is the second-highest single-day increase in cases. On June 19, 54,771 cases were reported in 24 hours.&nbsp;

Brazil now has nearly 1.2 million infections in total.

Experts say under-testing in the country of 212 million people means the real numbers are probably much higher.

Despite a surge in cases, the South American country is slowly heading towards exiting the lockdown. "We're sending people to the slaughterhouse," said Domingos Alves, a professor of medicine at the University of Sao Paulo and member of a scientific committee monitoring the crisis, COVID-19 Brasil.

"The curve in Brazil is still rising sharply. We're still in the first wave."

The United States continues to be the worst-hit country as they witness the second wave of the virus.&nbsp;

Brazil has recorded a steep surge in single day spike of COVID-19 cases on Wednesday. The South American country reported 42,725 cases in the last 24 hours, as per health ministry.

Brazil has recorded a steep surge in single day spike of COVID-19 cases on Wednesday. The South American country reported 42,725 cases in the last 24 hours, as per health ministry. Many health experts have warned the country was easing lockdown too soon. Also read: COVID-19: US records highest single day spike; death toll rises to 121,000 The country also reported 1,185 deaths in the last 24 hours bringing the death toll to 53,830. This is the second-highest single-day increase in cases. On June 19, 54,771 cases were reported in 24 hours. Brazil now has nearly 1.2 million infections in total. Experts say under-testing in the country of 212 million people means the real numbers are probably much higher. Despite a surge in cases, the South American country is slowly heading towards exiting the lockdown. "We're sending people to the slaughterhouse," said Domingos Alves, a professor of medicine at the University of Sao Paulo and member of a scientific committee monitoring the crisis, COVID-19 Brasil. "The curve in Brazil is still rising sharply. We're still in the first wave." The United States continues to be the worst-hit country as they witness the second wave of the virus.

Coronavirus: Brazil witnesses huge surge in cases; death toll goes past 53,000

Brazil crosses a grim milestone of 50,000 deaths and 1 million cases of COVID-19 across the country. Watch this video to know more. Watch report.

COVID-19 deaths in Brazil cross 50,000 mark:  Bolsaonaro's supporters hit street

President Jair Bolsonaro spoke out against the arrest of his son's former aide in a graft investigation, describing it as a "spectacle".

Brazil: Police arrests ex-aide to Bolsonaro's son | Fineprint

Forget hydroxychloroquine. Try tea of jambu, also know as the toothache plant, that villagers in the eastern Amazon believe will help you keep new coronavirus at bay.

Amazon villagers take herbal tea to fight COVID-19

Two years ago, Whatsapp began testing their payment feature in India hoping to be the first country to use the technology,&nbsp;&nbsp;but the feature has now made its debut in Brazil.&nbsp;

Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced this through a post which said: "Today we're starting to launch payments for people using WhatsApp in Brazil. We're making sending and receiving money as easy as sharing photos," he said. He also claimed that the small businesses will be able to make sales right within WhatsApp.

"To do this, we're building on Facebook Pay, which provides a secure and consistent way to make payments across our apps," he added.

According to the Zuckerberg, WhatsApp is working with local backs in Brazil, like Banco do Brasil, Nubank, Sicredi as well as Cielo, the leading payments processor for merchants in the country.

In the official blog post, the company cleared that payment security is their top priority and will use a special six-digit PIN or fingerprint in order to stop unauthorised transactions.

The post stated, "Payments on WhatsApp are made using Facebook Pay. We want that in future people and business can use the same card on all Facebook apps."

In India, the feature did not take off&nbsp;due to regulatory issues. The feature was tested on just 1 million users despite WhatsApp having 400 million users in India.

Two years ago, Whatsapp began testing their payment feature in India hoping to be the first country to use the technology, but the feature has now made its debut in Brazil.

Two years ago, Whatsapp began testing their payment feature in India hoping to be the first country to use the technology, but the feature has now made its debut in Brazil. Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced this through a post which said: "Today we're starting to launch payments for people using WhatsApp in Brazil. We're making sending and receiving money as easy as sharing photos," he said. He also claimed that the small businesses will be able to make sales right within WhatsApp. "To do this, we're building on Facebook Pay, which provides a secure and consistent way to make payments across our apps," he added. According to the Zuckerberg, WhatsApp is working with local backs in Brazil, like Banco do Brasil, Nubank, Sicredi as well as Cielo, the leading payments processor for merchants in the country. In the official blog post, the company cleared that payment security is their top priority and will use a special six-digit PIN or fingerprint in order to stop unauthorised transactions. The post stated, "Payments on WhatsApp are made using Facebook Pay. We want that in future people and business can use the same card on all Facebook apps." In India, the feature did not take off due to regulatory issues. The feature was tested on just 1 million users despite WhatsApp having 400 million users in India.

Two years after testing in India, WhatsApp launches payment feature in Brazil

Coronavirus is tearing through Brazil and its death toll is the second highest in the world. President Jair Bolsonaro is facing criticism now for destroying the country's isolation measures imposed by different states. Watch report.

COVID-19 deaths 2nd highest in Brazil: Over 900 deaths each day

Brazil registered 1,349 new coronavirus deaths on Wednesday and 28,633 additional confirmed cases, the data showed. This is a record number of daily deaths from the novel coronavirus for a second consecutive day, according to Health Ministry data released on Wednesday, even as city and state authorities move aggressively to open commerce back up.

Brazil registered 1,349 new coronavirus deaths on Wednesday and 28,633 additional confirmed cases, the data showed. This is a record number of daily deaths from the novel coronavirus for a second consecutive day, according to Health Ministry data released on Wednesday, even as city and state authorities move aggressively to open commerce back up. Brazil has now registered 32,548 deaths and 584,016 total confirmed cases. Latin America as a whole has emerged as the world's worst coronavirus hotspot, with nations like Peru, Ecuador, Chile and Panama also grappling with massive caseloads, according to a Reuters report. The report said that Mexico also set a new record of 1,092 coronavirus deaths on Wednesday, with cases there blasting past 100,000. Brazil's right-wing President Jair Bolsonaro has repeatedly downplayed the threat of the virus, saying on Tuesday that death was "everyone's destiny." State and local authorities that have supported quarantining measures are loosening restrictions as hunger grows and public finances, shaky in the best of times, plummet deep into the red. In Rio de Janeiro, the nation's second-largest city, many types of shops were allowed to open for the first time in months on Tuesday. "First, we have to think of health before everything. Without doubt, we have to think about the economy with hunger and all those things, but COVID-19 is a disease that kills," said Renato Maya, a resident of Niteroi, right across the bay from Rio, as he took a city-provided coronavirus test on Wednesday. "The reopening to me seems necessary, but it needs to be done quite carefully." (With inputs from Reuters)

Brazil president says death was 'everyone's destiny' as country registers 1,349 deaths

Brazil's tourist hotspot Copacabana beach turns into graveyard overnight as activists angry at Brazil's response to COVID-19. These activists have created 100 graves on the beach to remember those more than 40,000 people who have died.

Brazil's tourist hotspot Copacabana beach turns into graveyard overnight

More than 10,000 sq kilometers of the Amazon rainforest in Brazil was deforested in 2019. The deforestation reported in 2019 was worse than what was reported. Watch report.

2019: 10,129 sq kms of Amzaon cleared: Amazon rain forest deforestation

Deforestation of Brazil's Amazon rainforest was worse than previously reported in 2019, revised government data showed on Tuesday, during the first year of President Jair Bolsonaro, who is keen to develop the forest crucial to curbing global warming.

Brazil's space research agency INPE recorded 10,129 square kilometers of deforestation (3,911 square miles) for its benchmark annual period from August 2018 to July 2019. That's an area about the size of Lebanon and a 34.4% rise from the same period a year earlier.

The revision is higher than INPE's initial report of 9,762 square kilometers of forest destroyed during that period, an increase of 29.5%.

The 2019 data remains the highest level of deforestation seen in Brazil's Amazon since 2008, a level it had already hit prior to the revision.

INPE generally revises the data every year for accuracy as a standard practice.

Environmental advocates and scientific researchers blame the policies of right-wing Bolsonaro for emboldening illegal loggers, ranchers and land speculators to clear the forest. 
Bolosonaro has urged the development of the Amazon, including protected areas, as a way to lift the region's poor residents out of poverty.

Brazil is home to roughly 60% of the Amazon, the world's largest rainforest. Protection of the Amazon is vital to curbing climate change, scientists say, because of the vast amount of carbon dioxide it absorbs.

The revised data is based on a system called PRODES that is only released once annually, which is more accurate than monthly data reported using a rapid system known as DETER. 
Monthly data shows that deforestation has continued to worsen in 2020, rising 55% for January to April, as compared to the same period in 2019.

Bolsonaro deployed the armed forces to combat rising deforestation in May, using a decree that expires Wednesday but which officials say they expect to be renewed for another 30 days.&nbsp;

Deforestation of Brazil's Amazon rainforest was worse than previously reported in 2019, revised government data showed on Tuesday, during the first year of President Jair Bolsonaro, who is keen to develop the forest crucial to curbing global warming.

Deforestation of Brazil's Amazon rainforest was worse than previously reported in 2019, revised government data showed on Tuesday, during the first year of President Jair Bolsonaro, who is keen to develop the forest crucial to curbing global warming. Brazil's space research agency INPE recorded 10,129 square kilometers of deforestation (3,911 square miles) for its benchmark annual period from August 2018 to July 2019. That's an area about the size of Lebanon and a 34.4% rise from the same period a year earlier. The revision is higher than INPE's initial report of 9,762 square kilometers of forest destroyed during that period, an increase of 29.5%. The 2019 data remains the highest level of deforestation seen in Brazil's Amazon since 2008, a level it had already hit prior to the revision. INPE generally revises the data every year for accuracy as a standard practice. Environmental advocates and scientific researchers blame the policies of right-wing Bolsonaro for emboldening illegal loggers, ranchers and land speculators to clear the forest. Bolosonaro has urged the development of the Amazon, including protected areas, as a way to lift the region's poor residents out of poverty. Brazil is home to roughly 60% of the Amazon, the world's largest rainforest. Protection of the Amazon is vital to curbing climate change, scientists say, because of the vast amount of carbon dioxide it absorbs. The revised data is based on a system called PRODES that is only released once annually, which is more accurate than monthly data reported using a rapid system known as DETER. Monthly data shows that deforestation has continued to worsen in 2020, rising 55% for January to April, as compared to the same period in 2019. Bolsonaro deployed the armed forces to combat rising deforestation in May, using a decree that expires Wednesday but which officials say they expect to be renewed for another 30 days.

Brazil deforested 10,000 square km of Amazon rainforest in 2019, up 34% on year

Days after an official health website went offline, the Brazilian government on Sunday published contradictory figures on coronavirus, thereby creating further doubts on government trying to hide data.&nbsp;

The data released by health ministry on Sunday on the number of cases and the death toll in Brazil contradicted by the figures uploaded on the ministry's online data portal.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-7-million-cases-globally-brazil-and-india-continue-to-report-daily-surge-304112">Coronavirus: 7 million cases globally, Brazil and India continue to report daily surge</a>

One set of data claimed 1,382 new deaths and 12,581 new infections in the last 24 hours, while the other set said, 525 deaths and 18,912 infections. Both figures were released at different times and government didn't clarify till half a day, which was correct.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brazil-takes-down-covid-19-data-lowers-total-cases-and-">Brazil takes down COVID-19 data; lowers total cases and increasing death toll</a>

On Monday, the ministry confirmed that the data with 525 deaths is the correct one.&nbsp;

Critics claim that recent events raise doubts on Jair Bolsonaro's government trying to manipulate data to avoid criticism and panic.&nbsp;

The unusual steps taken by the health ministry on COVID-19 data began first on Wednesday, the day when it published the figures nearly two and a half hours later, just before 10:00 pm&nbsp;

On Friday, the ministry stopped updating the total number of deaths and cases, issuing only the numbers of the past 24 hours.&nbsp;

On the same day, a health ministry's site went offline and started working on Saturday, without providing the total coronavirus numbers, as well as patients who are under investigation and those who have recovered.&nbsp;

Brazil is the latest epicentre of the coronavirus and has the second-highest caseload, after the US with 691,758 infections.&nbsp;

As many as 36,455 deaths people have also died in Brazil, the third-highest in the world, after the US and the UK.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Days after an official health website went offline, the Brazilian government on Sunday published contradictory figures on coronavirus, thereby creating further doubts on government trying to hide data.

Days after an official health website went offline, the Brazilian government on Sunday published contradictory figures on coronavirus, thereby creating further doubts on government trying to hide data. The data released by health ministry on Sunday on the number of cases and the death toll in Brazil contradicted by the figures uploaded on the ministry's online data portal. Also read | Coronavirus: 7 million cases globally, Brazil and India continue to report daily surge One set of data claimed 1,382 new deaths and 12,581 new infections in the last 24 hours, while the other set said, 525 deaths and 18,912 infections. Both figures were released at different times and government didn't clarify till half a day, which was correct. Also read | Brazil takes down COVID-19 data; lowers total cases and increasing death toll On Monday, the ministry confirmed that the data with 525 deaths is the correct one. Critics claim that recent events raise doubts on Jair Bolsonaro's government trying to manipulate data to avoid criticism and panic. The unusual steps taken by the health ministry on COVID-19 data began first on Wednesday, the day when it published the figures nearly two and a half hours later, just before 10:00 pm On Friday, the ministry stopped updating the total number of deaths and cases, issuing only the numbers of the past 24 hours. On the same day, a health ministry's site went offline and started working on Saturday, without providing the total coronavirus numbers, as well as patients who are under investigation and those who have recovered. Brazil is the latest epicentre of the coronavirus and has the second-highest caseload, after the US with 691,758 infections. As many as 36,455 deaths people have also died in Brazil, the third-highest in the world, after the US and the UK.

Doubts over coronavirus figures spiral in Brazil after ministry published contradictory data

Brazil's largest city has the highest number of coronavirus cases in the country and a growing number of deaths, almost 5,000.

Brazil Eases Lockdown Despite High Number Of COVID Deaths

Brazil deleted months of data from its official COVID-19 tracker, prompting president Jair Bolsonaro to be accused of censorship.

Brazil wiped months of data from its official COVID-19 tracker

Few days after World Health Organization (WHO) warned countries against re-opening economies amid the novel coronavirus,&nbsp;President Jair Bolsonaro has threatened to pull Brazil out of the UN-backed organization.

The number of coronavirus positive cases has been on a constant rise in Brazil, so much so that Brazil has overtaken Italy as the country with the third-highest COVID-19 death toll after a daily record of 1,473 fatalities on Friday.

However,&nbsp;Brazilian President seems to be unmoved by the figures as he continues to argue for urgent resumption of economy and lifting the state isolation orders.&nbsp;Bolsonaro has openly admitted that&nbsp;the country's economic costs outweigh public health risks.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brazil-cases-surge-past-600000-as-countrys-death-toll-passes-italy-303447">Also read:&nbsp;Brazil cases surge past 600,000 as country's death toll passes Italy</a>

In an editorial running the length of newspaper Folha de S.Paulo's front page, the Brazilian daily highlighted that just 100 days had passed since Bolsonaro described the virus now "killing a Brazilian per minute" as "a little flu."

"While you were reading this, another Brazilian died from the coronavirus," the newspaper said.

Few days ago, when asked about Brazil's growing number of daily death rate&nbsp;and plans of resuming economy&nbsp;World Health Organization (WHO) spokeswoman Margaret Harris said, "The epidemic, the outbreak, in Latin America is deeply, deeply concerning."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/fourth-most-covid-19-deaths-in-brazil-maskless-bolsonaro-still-undermines-pandemic-302961">Also watch:&nbsp;Fourth most COVID-19 deaths in Brazil | Maskless Bolsonaro still undermines pandemic</a>

Reacting to these concerns by the WHO, Brazilian President, who is infamous for not wearing masks and not taking the pandemic seriously, he&nbsp;said Brazil will consider leaving the WHO unless it ceases to be a "partisan political organization."

This is not the first time&nbsp;Bolsonaro has faced criticism for his remarks. He has been infamous for taking the novel coronavirus lightly, and has been accused of using the pandemic to undermine&nbsp;democratic institutions.

WHO has not yet commented on this remark made by&nbsp;Bolsonaro on Friday.

(With inputs from Reuters)

Few days after World Health Organization (WHO) warned countries against re-opening economies amid the novel coronavirus, President Jair Bolsonaro has threatened to pull Brazil out of the UN-backed organization.

Few days after World Health Organization (WHO) warned countries against re-opening economies amid the novel coronavirus, President Jair Bolsonaro has threatened to pull Brazil out of the UN-backed organization. The number of coronavirus positive cases has been on a constant rise in Brazil, so much so that Brazil has overtaken Italy as the country with the third-highest COVID-19 death toll after a daily record of 1,473 fatalities on Friday. However, Brazilian President seems to be unmoved by the figures as he continues to argue for urgent resumption of economy and lifting the state isolation orders. Bolsonaro has openly admitted that the country's economic costs outweigh public health risks. Also read: Brazil cases surge past 600,000 as country's death toll passes Italy In an editorial running the length of newspaper Folha de S.Paulo's front page, the Brazilian daily highlighted that just 100 days had passed since Bolsonaro described the virus now "killing a Brazilian per minute" as "a little flu." "While you were reading this, another Brazilian died from the coronavirus," the newspaper said. Few days ago, when asked about Brazil's growing number of daily death rate and plans of resuming economy World Health Organization (WHO) spokeswoman Margaret Harris said, "The epidemic, the outbreak, in Latin America is deeply, deeply concerning." Also watch: Fourth most COVID-19 deaths in Brazil | Maskless Bolsonaro still undermines pandemic Reacting to these concerns by the WHO, Brazilian President, who is infamous for not wearing masks and not taking the pandemic seriously, he said Brazil will consider leaving the WHO unless it ceases to be a "partisan political organization." This is not the first time Bolsonaro has faced criticism for his remarks. He has been infamous for taking the novel coronavirus lightly, and has been accused of using the pandemic to undermine democratic institutions. WHO has not yet commented on this remark made by Bolsonaro on Friday. (With inputs from Reuters)

Bolsonaro threatens WHO exit after facing backlash for reopening economy

Brazil counted a record 1,262 deaths overnight, according to the country’s health ministry, and now has more than 30,000 confirmed fatalities from COVID-19.

COVID-19 death toll tops 31,000 in Brazil

Brazil yet again reported a record coronavirus deaths with 1,349 fatalities in a 24-hour period on Wednesday, the health ministry said.&nbsp;

With the latest updates, the country's death toll jumped to 32,548, with 584,016 confirmed cases, the second-highest worldwide, as the deadly virus continues to raise concerns in this Latin American nation.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/from-helicopter-to-horseback-brazilian-president-bolsonaro-breaks-covid-19-protocol-to-join-protesters-302283">From helicopter to horseback, Brazilian President Bolsonaro breaks COVID 19 protocol to join protesters</a>

Experts fear under-testing in Brazil could mean that real numbers are probably much higher.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/fourth-most-covid-19-deaths-in-brazil-maskless-bolsonaro-still-undermines-pandemic-302961/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brazil-records-33274-new-coronavirus-cases-surpasses-france-in-deaths-302080">Brazil records 33,274 new coronavirus cases, surpasses France in deaths</a>

The surge in recent days comes at a time when several Brazilian states have started to open up the economy, thereby ignoring the warnings by epidemiologists and WHO.&nbsp;

The World Health Organization's (WHO) regional office on Tuesday warned against reopening "too quickly", saying it invites the "risk of a resurgence of COVID-19".

On Tuesday, Sao Paulo reported its highest coronavirus deaths, both the number of infections and deaths, on the day when its cities began reopening shopping malls and offices.&nbsp;

Rio de Janeiro, the worst-hit state, started reopening beaches and businesses on Tuesday.&nbsp;

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has also faced a lot of criticism for first undermining the severity of the pandemic and speaking against the lockdown imposed to contain the spread of the virus.&nbsp;

The health ministry said on Tuesday that it's impossible to find out when the "peak of deaths will occur" because of the country's size and geographic diversity.&nbsp;

(With inputs from AFP)

Brazil yet again reported a record coronavirus deaths with 1,349 fatalities in a 24-hour period on Wednesday, the health ministry said. With the latest updates, the country's death toll jumped to 32,548, with 584,016 confirmed cases, the second-highest worldwide, as the deadly virus continues to raise concerns in this Latin American nation.

Brazil yet again reported a record coronavirus deaths with 1,349 fatalities in a 24-hour period on Wednesday, the health ministry said. With the latest updates, the country's death toll jumped to 32,548, with 584,016 confirmed cases, the second-highest worldwide, as the deadly virus continues to raise concerns in this Latin American nation. Also read | From helicopter to horseback, Brazilian President Bolsonaro breaks COVID 19 protocol to join protesters Experts fear under-testing in Brazil could mean that real numbers are probably much higher. Watch | Also read | Brazil records 33,274 new coronavirus cases, surpasses France in deaths The surge in recent days comes at a time when several Brazilian states have started to open up the economy, thereby ignoring the warnings by epidemiologists and WHO. The World Health Organization's (WHO) regional office on Tuesday warned against reopening "too quickly", saying it invites the "risk of a resurgence of COVID-19". On Tuesday, Sao Paulo reported its highest coronavirus deaths, both the number of infections and deaths, on the day when its cities began reopening shopping malls and offices. Rio de Janeiro, the worst-hit state, started reopening beaches and businesses on Tuesday. Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has also faced a lot of criticism for first undermining the severity of the pandemic and speaking against the lockdown imposed to contain the spread of the virus. The health ministry said on Tuesday that it's impossible to find out when the "peak of deaths will occur" because of the country's size and geographic diversity. (With inputs from AFP)

Brazil yet again reports record number of coronavirus deaths

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