Bolsonaro threatens WHO exit after facing backlash for reopening economy

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 thatthe country's economic costs outweigh public health risks.

Add WION as a Preferred Source

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 rateand plans of resuming economyWorld 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, hesaid Brazil will consider leaving the WHO unless it ceases to be a "partisan political organization."

This is not the first timeBolsonaro 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 underminedemocratic institutions.

WHO has not yet commented on this remark made byBolsonaro on Friday.

(With inputs from Reuters)