Brazilian State Governors defy Bolsonaro's commands over coronavirus pandemic

The State Governors of Brazil have have refused to obeythe commandsgiven by Brazil’s presidentJair Bolsonaroregarding the coronavirus pandemic,amid anger at handling of the viruscrisis.

Bolsonaro is facing a growing backlash as he has repeatedly played down the dangers of Covid-19.

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Last week, he urged Brazilians to get back to work, in defiance of advice from the World Health Organization and his own health ministry.

However, his exhortations were ignored by politicians and the general public including his former allies.

Only three out of the 27 statesin Brazilhave relaxed social isolation measures as coronavirus cases continue to surge.

Also see:Ignorance is bliss: World leaders who denied the gravity of COVID-19 crisis

The country has more than 5,800 confirmed cases along with more than200deaths.

According to a lateststudyalmost 60 per centof Brazilians are staying at home.

Joao Doria who is the governor of Sao Paulo, Brazil’s most populous and economically important state has maintained a strict quarantine and this week openly defied Bolsonaro,telling its 44 million citizens.

''Do not follow the guidance of the president,'' she said.

Rio de Janeiro’s governorWilson Witzelhas also refused to back away from strict social isolation measures.

''So far I’ve been asking, now I am giving an order: don’t leave your home,''Witzel told his state’s 17 million residentson Monday as he extended Rio’s shut down for another fortnight.