In the picturesque city of Rio de Janeiro, here's a home built from scrap wood, plastic & metal. Luiz Fernando Barreto’s home floats atop the river. Barreto even has a swimming pool & a van onboard. Baretto’s main aim is to make politicians pay attention to environmental issues.

Home built from scrap floats atop river in Rio de Janeiro

As coronavirus cases are increasing in Brazil, the carnival festivities in Rio de Janeiro have been postponed. They will now be held in late April and not the final weekend of February.&nbsp;

Rio and Sao Paulo, in a statement, said, "The decision was made respecting for the current situation of the Covid-19 pandemic in Brazil and the need, at this time, to preserve lives and join forces to drive vaccination throughout the country."

The parade is a major tourist attraction for Rio. Tens of thousands of audience watch the parade live while tens of millions of people watch it from home.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/addictive-behaviour-woman-sues-meta-snapchat-over-her-daughters-suicide-446653">Also read |&nbsp;'Addictive behaviour': Woman sues Meta, Snapchat over her daughter's suicide</a>

Earlier, Brazil President Jair Bolsonaro had downplayed the Omicron coronavirus variant amid a rise in hard-hit Brazil. He further ruled out containment measures while defending herd immunity through widespread illness.

Bolsonaro said the Omicron strain that is causing a surge in Covid cases at home and abroad could be called a "vaccine virus" and is a "welcome" variant. Even when the Omicron variant made landfall in the country, causing cases to spike above 70,000 per day, he swore not to allow his daughter to take the shot and promised to continue fighting lockdowns.

(With inputs from agencies)

As coronavirus cases are increasing in Brazil, the carnival festivities in Rio de Janeiro have been postponed. They will now be held in late April and not the final weekend of February.

As coronavirus cases are increasing in Brazil, the carnival festivities in Rio de Janeiro have been postponed. They will now be held in late April and not the final weekend of February. Rio and Sao Paulo, in a statement, said, "The decision was made respecting for the current situation of the Covid-19 pandemic in Brazil and the need, at this time, to preserve lives and join forces to drive vaccination throughout the country." The parade is a major tourist attraction for Rio. Tens of thousands of audience watch the parade live while tens of millions of people watch it from home. Also read | 'Addictive behaviour': Woman sues Meta, Snapchat over her daughter's suicide Earlier, Brazil President Jair Bolsonaro had downplayed the Omicron coronavirus variant amid a rise in hard-hit Brazil. He further ruled out containment measures while defending herd immunity through widespread illness. Bolsonaro said the Omicron strain that is causing a surge in Covid cases at home and abroad could be called a "vaccine virus" and is a "welcome" variant. Even when the Omicron variant made landfall in the country, causing cases to spike above 70,000 per day, he swore not to allow his daughter to take the shot and promised to continue fighting lockdowns. (With inputs from agencies)

Rio de Janeiro postpones Carnival parades as Omicron cases spike

Hundreds of heavily-armed police occupied the Jacarezinho neighbourhood of Rio de Janeiro on Wednesday morning, as authorities vowed a renewed effort to bring security and public services to slums dominated by gangs of drug dealers.

Police drove armoured personnel cars into the neighbourhood, patrolling streets and entering homes in a four-hour operation witnessed by a Reuters photographer.

Governor Claudio Castro said it was the start of a new offensive to transform poor areas known as 'favelas', echoing the rhetoric of the Police Pacifying Units (UPP) that displaced violent gangs in the city ahead of the 2016 Olympic Games.

Rio's Military Police said there were no violent encounters in the operation that had started in two&nbsp;favelas. A spokesperson said a large number of police forces deployed deterred any armed response from the gangs.

Jacarezinho is a sprawling&nbsp;favela&nbsp;on the violent north side of Rio, Brazil's second-largest city, where a police raid in May resulted in 29 deaths, including an officer, and drew sharp criticism&nbsp;from human rights groups.

Police said they plan to occupy other nearby&nbsp;favelas, such as Manguinhos, Bandeira 2 and Conjunto Morar Carioca.

Castro said on Twitter that he would give details on Saturday of further plans to restore security and "improve the lives of those who live in these areas".

The first UPP was set up in Rio's Santa Marta&nbsp;favela&nbsp;in 2008, and dozens more sites were rolled out across the state over the next decade.

The so-called "pacification" project, which focused on community policing to engage with residents and discourage gunfights, was an initial success and won early international praise. But by 2018, the scheme was suffering from budget cuts and inconsistent support from corrupt state governments.

That year, the federal government made a military intervention to take back control of Rio's streets, essentially killing off the UPP project.

The 2018 election of President Jair Bolsonaro, who has called for more aggressive tackling of organized crime, ushered in a tougher era https://www.reuters.com/investigates/special-report/brazil-police-violence in Rio policing.

In 2019, Rio police killed a record 1,814 people.

Hundreds of heavily-armed police occupied the Jacarezinho neighbourhood of Rio de Janeiro on Wednesday morning, as authorities vowed a renewed effort to bring security and public services to slums dominated by gangs of drug dealers.

Hundreds of heavily-armed police occupied the Jacarezinho neighbourhood of Rio de Janeiro on Wednesday morning, as authorities vowed a renewed effort to bring security and public services to slums dominated by gangs of drug dealers. Police drove armoured personnel cars into the neighbourhood, patrolling streets and entering homes in a four-hour operation witnessed by a Reuters photographer. Governor Claudio Castro said it was the start of a new offensive to transform poor areas known as 'favelas', echoing the rhetoric of the Police Pacifying Units (UPP) that displaced violent gangs in the city ahead of the 2016 Olympic Games. Rio's Military Police said there were no violent encounters in the operation that had started in two favelas. A spokesperson said a large number of police forces deployed deterred any armed response from the gangs. Jacarezinho is a sprawling favela on the violent north side of Rio, Brazil's second-largest city, where a police raid in May resulted in 29 deaths, including an officer, and drew sharp criticism from human rights groups. Police said they plan to occupy other nearby favelas, such as Manguinhos, Bandeira 2 and Conjunto Morar Carioca. Castro said on Twitter that he would give details on Saturday of further plans to restore security and "improve the lives of those who live in these areas". The first UPP was set up in Rio's Santa Marta favela in 2008, and dozens more sites were rolled out across the state over the next decade. The so-called "pacification" project, which focused on community policing to engage with residents and discourage gunfights, was an initial success and won early international praise. But by 2018, the scheme was suffering from budget cuts and inconsistent support from corrupt state governments. That year, the federal government made a military intervention to take back control of Rio's streets, essentially killing off the UPP project. The 2018 election of President Jair Bolsonaro, who has called for more aggressive tackling of organized crime, ushered in a tougher era https://www.reuters.com/investigates/special-report/brazil-police-violence in Rio policing. In 2019, Rio police killed a record 1,814 people.

Rio de Janeiro police occupy favelas in new push to combat gangs

Amid efforts from conservationists to save Golden Lion Tamarins, a busy highway in Rio de Janeiro is posing a risk of isolating the endangered Golden monkeys in the region.

Busy highway posing a risk of isolating endangered Golden Lion Tamarins in Rio de Janeiro

The Atlantic forest of Rio De Janeiro is the only place in the world where the golden lion tamarin exists. The monkeys now face the threat of being isolated due to a major highway in the area.

Golden lion tamarin in Rio De Janeiro's forest faces threat of isolation

A video of a Christmas tree made with empty Covid-19 vials has gone viral on the internet.

The tree, assembled by healthcare workers at the Ernani Agricola Municipal Health Center in Rio de Janeiro, has turned into a symbol of hope.

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VIDEO: Heathcare workers at the Ernani Agricola Municipal Health Center in Rio de Janeiro made a Christmas tree with empty Covid-19 and influenza vaccine vials <a href="https://t.co/Wtt6u3gk5y">pic.twitter.com/Wtt6u3gk5y</a>
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The purpose behind this creative tree is to highlight and increase awareness of vaccinations in the country.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-waste-crisis-looms-rome-asked-to-ignore-wrapping-gifts-this-christmas-435987" hreflang="en">As waste crisis looms, Rome asked to ignore wrapping gifts this Christmas</a>

Similarly, a picture of an illegal garbage dump captured by a photojournalist made rounds on social media.

The Christmas tree pulled together from a fetid mountain of trash, was assembled by a 12-year-old called Gabriel Silva.

Rio de Janeiro will hold its famed New Year's Eve party, after all, Mayor Eduardo Paes announced Thursday, five days after canceling the celebration over concerns about Covid-19.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/possible-criminal-intent-brazil-court-charges-four-for-brazil-disco-fire-that-killed-242-435981">Also read |&nbsp;'Possible criminal intent': Brazil court charges four for Brazil disco fire that killed 242</a>

The South American country has registered 222,177,059 cases since the pandemic began, while the official death toll has risen to 616,457, according to ministry data, in the world's second-deadliest outbreak outside the United States.

But with 65 percent of the country's 213 million people now fully vaccinated, the number of infections and deaths has plunged.

Under measures decided on Tuesday after President Jair Bolsonaro opposed the use of a vaccine passport, unvaccinated travelers arriving in Brazil will have to quarantine for five days and be tested for COVID-19.

(With inputs from agencies)

A video of a Christmas tree made with empty Covid-19 vials has gone viral on the internet. The tree, assembled by healthcare workers at the Ernani Agricola Municipal Health Center in Rio de Janeiro, has turned into a symbol of hope.

A video of a Christmas tree made with empty Covid-19 vials has gone viral on the internet. The tree, assembled by healthcare workers at the Ernani Agricola Municipal Health Center in Rio de Janeiro, has turned into a symbol of hope. VIDEO: Heathcare workers at the Ernani Agricola Municipal Health Center in Rio de Janeiro made a Christmas tree with empty Covid-19 and influenza vaccine vials pic.twitter.com/Wtt6u3gk5y — AFP News Agency (@AFP) December 10, 2021 × The purpose behind this creative tree is to highlight and increase awareness of vaccinations in the country. Also read | As waste crisis looms, Rome asked to ignore wrapping gifts this Christmas Similarly, a picture of an illegal garbage dump captured by a photojournalist made rounds on social media. The Christmas tree pulled together from a fetid mountain of trash, was assembled by a 12-year-old called Gabriel Silva. Rio de Janeiro will hold its famed New Year's Eve party, after all, Mayor Eduardo Paes announced Thursday, five days after canceling the celebration over concerns about Covid-19. Also read | 'Possible criminal intent': Brazil court charges four for Brazil disco fire that killed 242 The South American country has registered 222,177,059 cases since the pandemic began, while the official death toll has risen to 616,457, according to ministry data, in the world's second-deadliest outbreak outside the United States. But with 65 percent of the country's 213 million people now fully vaccinated, the number of infections and deaths has plunged. Under measures decided on Tuesday after President Jair Bolsonaro opposed the use of a vaccine passport, unvaccinated travelers arriving in Brazil will have to quarantine for five days and be tested for COVID-19. (With inputs from agencies)

Watch | Healthworkers make Christmas tree with empty Covid-19 vials; video goes viral

Grieving families gathered at the inauguration of a COVID-19 victims memorial in Brazil's Rio De Janeiro, paying homage to their lost loved ones and demanding more help from municipal authorities to provide support for families impacted by the pandemic. Close to 400 people died in the 'mare favela' complex, a grouping of 16 favelas on the outskirts of Rio, where 140,000 people live in communities riden by gang violence, economic uncertainty and the lack of comprehensive health facilities. Here's a report.

Grieving families gather at inauguration of COVID-19 victims memorial in Brazil's Rio De Janeiro

As Brazil battles, a pandemic that has taken over half a million lives and thrust millions more further into poverty, a church in the west of Rio de Janeiro has assumed a new mission: to bake thousands of loaves of bread.

A church in Brazil takes on a new mission, baking bread for the poor

Hundreds of red roses dotted Rio's Copacabana beach on Sunday (June 20) as Brazil became the second country to pass 500,000 COVID-19 deaths after the United States. Volunteers from Rio de Paz, a non-governmental organisation, placed 500 red roses on pegs and unfurled victim's names embroidered on cloths.

Red roses dot Copacabana beach for Brazil's 500,000 COVID deaths

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro on Monday told a journalist who questioned his frequent refusal to wear a mask to "shut up" and called Globo Group, the country's largest media conglomerate, "shi**y."&nbsp;

"Shut your mouth! You are creeps! You practice rogue journalism, which doesn't help at all. You destroy the Brazilian family, destroy the Brazilian religion!" Bolsonaro lashed out at the reporter after a military ceremony in Guaratingueta, in the state of Sao Paulo.&nbsp; 
 
The journalist from TV Vanguarda, a station from the Globo network, had just reminded the far-right former army officer that he had been fined in several states for refusing to wear a mask in meetings with his supporters.&nbsp; 
 
When the reporter pointed out that Bolsonaro had arrived at the ceremony without a face covering, Bolsonaro snapped back: "I arrive as I want, when I want. I take care of my own life."&nbsp; 
 
Immediately afterwards, he took off the black mask that he was wearing at the time, and declared: "Now you can put it on the Jornal Nacional (Globo's popular nightly newscast): 'I am not wearing a mask in Guaratingueta. Are you happy now?"&nbsp; 
 
Since coming to power in January 2019, Bolsonaro has repeatedly attacked journalists and the media. On Monday, he continued his harangue by declaring that "Globo is a shitty press. You are a crap press... if you watch Globo, you get misinformation. You should be ashamed of yourself for doing such a lousy job," he said.&nbsp; 
 
The Globo Group was quick to react. "The president will not impede or inhibit the work of the press in Brazil by shouting or with intolerance," it said in a statement.&nbsp; 
 
Bolsonaro also railed against CNN Brazil, accusing it of having "praised" demonstrations that last Sunday brought together tens of thousands of people to criticise the government's policy against the coronavirus pandemic, which has already left more than 500,000 dead in the country.&nbsp; 
 
Bolsonaro has opposed any social distancing or isolation measures since the start of the pandemic, and has questioned the efficacy of vaccines and the usefulness of masks, while promoting drugs that have no proven efficacy in fighting the virus.&nbsp; 
 
"As long as I am president... we are going to fight so that citizens have weapons and are not obliged to wear masks," he said last Thursday in his weekly live programme.

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro on Monday told a journalist who questioned his frequent refusal to wear a mask to "shut up" and called Globo Group, the country's largest media conglomerate, "shi**y.

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro on Monday told a journalist who questioned his frequent refusal to wear a mask to "shut up" and called Globo Group, the country's largest media conglomerate, "shi**y." "Shut your mouth! You are creeps! You practice rogue journalism, which doesn't help at all. You destroy the Brazilian family, destroy the Brazilian religion!" Bolsonaro lashed out at the reporter after a military ceremony in Guaratingueta, in the state of Sao Paulo. The journalist from TV Vanguarda, a station from the Globo network, had just reminded the far-right former army officer that he had been fined in several states for refusing to wear a mask in meetings with his supporters. When the reporter pointed out that Bolsonaro had arrived at the ceremony without a face covering, Bolsonaro snapped back: "I arrive as I want, when I want. I take care of my own life." Immediately afterwards, he took off the black mask that he was wearing at the time, and declared: "Now you can put it on the Jornal Nacional (Globo's popular nightly newscast): 'I am not wearing a mask in Guaratingueta. Are you happy now?" Since coming to power in January 2019, Bolsonaro has repeatedly attacked journalists and the media. On Monday, he continued his harangue by declaring that "Globo is a shitty press. You are a crap press... if you watch Globo, you get misinformation. You should be ashamed of yourself for doing such a lousy job," he said. The Globo Group was quick to react. "The president will not impede or inhibit the work of the press in Brazil by shouting or with intolerance," it said in a statement. Bolsonaro also railed against CNN Brazil, accusing it of having "praised" demonstrations that last Sunday brought together tens of thousands of people to criticise the government's policy against the coronavirus pandemic, which has already left more than 500,000 dead in the country. Bolsonaro has opposed any social distancing or isolation measures since the start of the pandemic, and has questioned the efficacy of vaccines and the usefulness of masks, while promoting drugs that have no proven efficacy in fighting the virus. "As long as I am president... we are going to fight so that citizens have weapons and are not obliged to wear masks," he said last Thursday in his weekly live programme.

Bolsonaro asks journalist to 'shut up' for urging him to keep mask on

Musicians in Brazil beat lockdown restrictions on mass gatherings by taking their instruments onto the streets for a mobile concert in Rio de Janeiro.

Mobile orchestra from favela plays throughout Rio

Despite the rage in Coronavirus Brazil President Jair Bolsonaro lead a motorcade rally in Rio de Janeiro amid harsh criticism over his management of the pandemic.

Bolsonaro leads motorcade rally in Rio de Janeiro amid Coronavirus surge

Favelas in Rio de Janeiro are tapping into green energy, with homes in the Brazilian city's slums fitted with solar panels. This solar project is called Revolu Solar and was launched in 2015 with the objective of providing homes in Rio's favelas with clean, reliable and affordable energy. So far, homes in Babilonia and Chapeu Mangueira have received panels.

Green favelas! Solar energy lights up Rio de Janeiro's slums

Hundreds of protesters in Brazil's Rio De Janeiro took to the streets against the police action which killed 27 drug traffickers.

Brazil: Protesters accuse cops of attacking black majority slum

At least 25 people including a police officer have been killed in a shootout between suspected drug traffickers and police in Rio de Janeiro on Thursday. The police said that this is one of the deadliest raids in recent times.

Brazil: At Least 25 dead in police raid in Rio de Janeiro

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

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

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

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

After the shipment of the Covishield Vaccines from India that reached Brazil, the health workers in Rio De Janeiro were among the very first people to be given the jab of a vaccine vial that was manufactured in India.

Brazil starts vaccination drive with Indian jab

It will not be possible to host carnival celebrations in July, Rio de Janeiro's new mayor said on Thursday (January 21), as Brazil's second wave of coronavirus infections gathers steam with vaccine supplies still scare in Latin America's biggest country.

No way to hold Rio carnival in July, the city's mayor says

Despite Brazil's pandemic and the cancellation by city authorities of the annual Carnival, in Rio de Janeiro, one man has been determined to celebrate. Dressed in carnival costume, with a boombox on his neck blaring music and handing out flowers to residents, he represents a welcome relief for residents of Santa Teresa seeking a little relief from the gloomy daily news about rising COVID infections and a faltering economy.

One man determined to keep Rio Carnival spirit alive

A dozen of worshippers gathered on Rio de Janeiro's iconic Copacabana Beach on Tuesday (December 29) to pay tribute to Yemanja, the Afro-Brazilian queen of the sea.

Faithful pay tribute to Brazil’s sea goddess, Yemanja

Santa Claus delivers holiday cheer in Rio de Janeiro by feeding the sharks and swimming with the sting raise in the city's aquarium.

Santa Claus feeding the fishes in city aquarium in Rio de Janeiro

On a wall in a Rio favela, graffiti artist Angelo Campos memorialized Argentine football great Diego Maradona who died Wednesday. Despite the rivalry between Brazil and Argentina in the soccer fields, Brazilians know how to appreciate and honor a genius football player.

Rio graffiti artist memorialises Maradona

Brazilian artist Jorge Roriz has a new canvas amid the coronavirus pandemic, painting on face masks for those wanting to make an impression while still remaining covered.

Brazil artist paints masks for those who want to show their face

Volunteers from the NGO "Movimiento For Life" have been providing much-needed care to patients with the after-effects of COVID-19 in the impoverished favelas of Rio de Janeiro.

Brazilian NGO helps low-income virus survivors

Hundreds of people took to the streets of Rio de Janeiro & Sao Paulo demanding justice for influencer and model Mariana Ferrer.

Brazil: Protesters demand justice for model Mariana Ferrer

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

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

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

Rio de Janeiro samba schools delay 2021 Carnival parade over coronavirus

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

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

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

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

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

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

Residents of Rio de Janeiro are visiting some of the city's postcard sites at half price thanks to the lack of tourists in town.

Tourists visit postcard sites in Rio de Janeiro

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Home built from scrap floats atop river in Rio de Janeiro

Rio de Janeiro postpones Carnival parades as Omicron cases spike

Rio de Janeiro police occupy favelas in new push to combat gangs

Busy highway posing a risk of isolating endangered Golden Lion Tamarins in Rio de Janeiro

Golden lion tamarin in Rio De Janeiro's forest faces threat of isolation

Watch | Healthworkers make Christmas tree with empty Covid-19 vials; video goes viral

Grieving families gather at inauguration of COVID-19 victims memorial in Brazil's Rio De Janeiro

A church in Brazil takes on a new mission, baking bread for the poor

Red roses dot Copacabana beach for Brazil's 500,000 COVID deaths

Bolsonaro asks journalist to 'shut up' for urging him to keep mask on

Mobile orchestra from favela plays throughout Rio

Bolsonaro leads motorcade rally in Rio de Janeiro amid Coronavirus surge

Green favelas! Solar energy lights up Rio de Janeiro's slums

Brazil: Protesters accuse cops of attacking black majority slum

Brazil: At Least 25 dead in police raid in Rio de Janeiro

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

Brazil starts vaccination drive with Indian jab

No way to hold Rio carnival in July, the city's mayor says

One man determined to keep Rio Carnival spirit alive

Faithful pay tribute to Brazil’s sea goddess, Yemanja

Santa Claus feeding the fishes in city aquarium in Rio de Janeiro

Rio graffiti artist memorialises Maradona

Brazil artist paints masks for those who want to show their face

Brazilian NGO helps low-income virus survivors

Brazilian NGO helps low-income virus survivors

Brazil: Protesters demand justice for model Mariana Ferrer