In 2021, all countries around the world faced challenges due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Globally, more than 271 million people were infected with the virus, roughly equivalent to the population of Indonesia. Over five million people died.
In Brazil, 2021 saw the most desperate moments of the pandemic. The country recorded almost 195,000 deaths from the disease in 2020, but in 2021, this figure was surpassed by May.
Brazil also ends the year with the second highest total of Covid-19 deaths, just below the U.S., but ahead of India, home to five times the Brazilian population.
Within the chaos, however, there has been some reason for hope. Once vaccines arrived in the country, Brazil embarked on one of the world’s most efficient coronavirus immunization campaigns. As a larger and larger percentage had taken two doses, cases decreased in September and haven’t stopped falling. In the country’s most populous city São Paulo, an astonishing 100 percent of the adult population is vaccinated.
But new challenges have arisen with the spread of the Omicron variant. Brazilians are rushing to receive booster doses, while some states are considering reintroducing restrictive measures. Some cities — most notably Rio de Janeiro, Salvador, and São Paulo — have cancelled their New Year’s celebrations out of caution.
As 2022 is right around the corner, everyone must keep doing their part in the prevention effort. Avoid big crowds in closed spaces, wear a mask, and keep washing your hands! Here’s a toast to a Covid-free 2022.
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