Third pandemic wave hits as Brazil surpasses half million Covid deaths
1/5
The issue
Brazil on Saturday became the second country after the United States to surpass 500,000 Covid-19 deaths as the South American giant grapples with a third wave of the pandemic.
"500,000 lives lost due to the pandemic that affects our Brazil and the world," Health Minister Marcelo Queiroga tweeted.
"500,000 lives lost due to the pandemic that affects our Brazil and the world," Health Minister Marcelo Queiroga tweeted.
2/5
Do not underestimate
The Health Ministry reported 500,800 deaths, including 2,301 in the last 24 hours, a toll that many experts say underestimate the real toll from the health crisis.
This week the average number of daily deaths surpassed 2,000 for the first time since May 10.
This week the average number of daily deaths surpassed 2,000 for the first time since May 10.
3/5
Not wearing masks
In large cities, life seems almost back to normal with restaurants, bars and shops open and many people in the streets not wearing face masks.
And yet the situation is critical in 19 of Brazil's 27 states with more than 80 percent occupancy of intensive care beds -- in nine of those states it's over 90 percent.
And yet the situation is critical in 19 of Brazil's 27 states with more than 80 percent occupancy of intensive care beds -- in nine of those states it's over 90 percent.
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4/5
"Second wave"
The "second wave," from January to April this year, was particularly deadly.
The number of deaths increased exponentially with the arrival of the Gamma virus variant that originated in Manaus, in the north of Brazil.It gradually began to fall in May thanks in part to the closure of businesses when the pandemic was at its worst.
The number of deaths increased exponentially with the arrival of the Gamma virus variant that originated in Manaus, in the north of Brazil.It gradually began to fall in May thanks in part to the closure of businesses when the pandemic was at its worst.
5/5
Restrictions lifted too soon
But many epidemiologists believe lockdown restrictions were lifted too soon at a time when daily deaths were still up around the 2,000 mark.
Contrary to what has been seen in Europe, there's been no real trough between the different waves in Brazil.
Contrary to what has been seen in Europe, there's been no real trough between the different waves in Brazil.