The Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) at the University of Washington claims that Brazil could surpass the U.S. to become the country with most coronavirus deaths in the world by July 29. Brazil is predicted to record 137,500 deaths — against the U.S.’s 137,000 — based on current trends. In terms of deaths per 100,000 inhabitants, Brazil would become the world’s leader on July 12 according to the IHME model.
The study is just a projection — and as such, could be wrong. However, predictions can serve as warnings and help public officials fashion strategies to contain the outbreak.
Despite the scale of the disaster, Brazil is opting to reopen this economy without ever really closing it — and before the country has reached its peak of infections and deaths per day. Experts warn that a second wave of the virus could hit Brazil before the first wave is even over. The result would be an utterly devastating loss of human life that would almost certainly also cripple the economy (which seems to be the federal government’s first and foremost concern).
Support this coverage →
Search
