Brazil hits 5 million coronavirus cases in deadliest outbreak outside the US
- Death toll approaches 150,000, with experts warning of second wave as country returns too quickly to everyday life
- As winter ends and tropical temperatures rise, Brazilians are gathering on crowded beaches and in bars and restaurants without taking precautions
Brazil passed the mark of 5 million confirmed Covid-19 cases on Wednesday as it approached 150,000 fatalities in the deadliest coronavirus outbreak outside the United States.
Though the number of daily cases has come down from a peak in July, public health experts warn that Brazil is ignoring social distancing precautions and faces the danger of a second wave by returning to normal everyday life too quickly.
The Health Ministry reported on Tuesday 31,553 new cases, raising the total to 5,000,694, and 734 deaths, bringing the toll to 148,228 dead.
The rolling daily average for last week was 658 deaths a day, down from 1,073 deaths per day in the last week of July. Average new cases were 26,140 day, almost half the rate of late July.
01:22
Never-ending cemeteries stretch across Brazilian cities as coronavirus cases soar
Federal University of Rio de Janeiro epidemiologist Roberto Medronho cautioned that the numbers could be much higher if testing for Covid-19 was more widespread.