São Paulo state has announced the first death from Covid-19 in Brazil. The patient was a 62-year-old man, who suffered from diabetes, high blood pressure, and benign prostate enlargement. Further details will be disclosed in a press conference with the state health authorities this afternoon.
Patients with pre-existing health problems and older people are thought to be at greater risk of developing severe symptoms.
The state of São Paulo has concentrated the bulk of Brazilian Covid-19 infections—152 of 252 cases confirmed so far. In the state capital, Mayor Bruno Covas declared a state of emergency.