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

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

As the coronavirus has spread rapidly in the poorest parts of the Amazon's biggest city, a local priest has begun to make masks in his church and hand them out across his parish.

Catholic priest gives out masks in coronavirus-stricken Amazon favela

Authorities in Manaus began digging mass graves on Tuesday to bury the increasing number of victims of Covid-19 in the city. According to a City Hall statement, the number of burials has more than doubled in the Nossa Senhora Aparecida public cemetery over the past few days.

Mass graves being dug in Brazil amid COVID-19 pandemic

A shoot-out in the northern Brazilian city of Manaus between police and suspected drug traffickers left 17 people dead, local authorities announced Wednesday.

"The individuals exchanged fire with the police, 17 were hit by bullets and transported to a hospital, where they were confirmed dead," the state security secretariat said of the clash late Tuesday.

The aim of the police operation had been "to intercept a group of drug traffickers from a criminal faction that was preparing to murder rivals to take control of drug selling positions" in the city.

Police seized 17 weapons, including an Uzi submachine gun, as well as a huge amount of ammunition.

Military police commander Ayrton Norte told reporters that authorities were tipped off that 50 armed people were in a truck heading to attack a rival gang.

Various groups are fighting for control of the drug trafficking business in the north of Brazil, a strategic area for the transport of cocaine from neighbouring countries such as Colombia, Peru and Bolivia.

"We intervened to save lives, to apply the law and unfortunately they instigated a confrontation and were defeated," said Norte.

"Good always overcomes evil. Whomsoever dares to take on the police will face the appropriate response."

Local news website Portal do Holanda said a 14-year-old and 17-year-old were among those killed, although authorities have not confirmed that.

Gang rivalries frequently have flared into gruesome prison massacres in recent years.

At the end of July, 57 inmates were killed during a riot at a prison in Para state, which neighbours Amazonas, whose capital is Manaus.

In January 2017, more than 100 inmates were killed in a spate of prison clashes, the bloodiest of which was in Manaus.

Prison conditions in Brazil have been widely condemned due to chronic overcrowding, while riots and attempted breakouts are common.

A shoot-out in the northern Brazilian city of Manaus between police and suspected drug traffickers left 17 people dead, local authorities announced Wednesday. "The individuals exchanged fire with the police, 17 were hit by bullets and transported to a hospital, where they were confirmed dead," the state security secretariat said of the clash late Tuesday.

A shoot-out in the northern Brazilian city of Manaus between police and suspected drug traffickers left 17 people dead, local authorities announced Wednesday. "The individuals exchanged fire with the police, 17 were hit by bullets and transported to a hospital, where they were confirmed dead," the state security secretariat said of the clash late Tuesday. The aim of the police operation had been "to intercept a group of drug traffickers from a criminal faction that was preparing to murder rivals to take control of drug selling positions" in the city. Police seized 17 weapons, including an Uzi submachine gun, as well as a huge amount of ammunition. Military police commander Ayrton Norte told reporters that authorities were tipped off that 50 armed people were in a truck heading to attack a rival gang. Various groups are fighting for control of the drug trafficking business in the north of Brazil, a strategic area for the transport of cocaine from neighbouring countries such as Colombia, Peru and Bolivia. "We intervened to save lives, to apply the law and unfortunately they instigated a confrontation and were defeated," said Norte. "Good always overcomes evil. Whomsoever dares to take on the police will face the appropriate response." Local news website Portal do Holanda said a 14-year-old and 17-year-old were among those killed, although authorities have not confirmed that. Gang rivalries frequently have flared into gruesome prison massacres in recent years. At the end of July, 57 inmates were killed during a riot at a prison in Para state, which neighbours Amazonas, whose capital is Manaus. In January 2017, more than 100 inmates were killed in a spate of prison clashes, the bloodiest of which was in Manaus. Prison conditions in Brazil have been widely condemned due to chronic overcrowding, while riots and attempted breakouts are common.

Brazil says 17 killed in police action in Manaus

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