Covid deaths in Brazil at lowest in two years. But cases are on the up

Health Secretariat of Duque de Caxias, a city in Rio de Janeiro state. Photo: Jorge Hely Veiga/Shutterstock

According to the Health Ministry’s latest epidemiological report, Brazil recorded 1,104 Covid deaths occurring in April — the lowest for a single month since March 2020. The data refers to “deaths by real date,” as health units often report cases with some delay — especially during weekends and holidays, when staff numbers are reduced.

Since the Covid vaccine rollout began in Brazil, in January 2021, almost 89 percent of the population over 5 (those who are eligible for immunization) have taken at least one vaccine dose. More than 82 percent have completed their first vaccination cycle, and 55 percent have taken at least one booster shot.

However, the seven-day average of new daily cases has risen 20 percent over the past two weeks. Meanwhile, the rolling average of new deaths has topped the 100 mark for the past two days. Numbers are far lower than past coronavirus peaks, but the possibility of new variants surging continues to concern experts.