Coronavirus

In Belo Horizonte, 70 percent fear Covid-19 more than losing jobs

In the Minas Gerais state capital of Belo Horizonte, over 70 percent of people are more afraid of contracting Covid-19 than losing their jobs
Photo: FP

In the Minas Gerais state capital of Belo Horizonte, over 70 percent of people are more afraid of contracting Covid-19 than losing their jobs, according to a poll by newspaper Estado de Minas. The survey also indicated that nearly 60 percent of respondents support strict social distancing measures, while only 4.4 percent believe quarantine rules should be lifted.

Minas Gerais state is in a situation of uncertainty, as its Covid-19 numbers are incredibly low, but there is evidence of massive under-reporting. Last week, The Brazilian Report showed that Minas Gerais is simply not testing suspected cases. According to the Health Ministry, as of yesterday, the state had the third-lowest incidence rate in Brazil. The state currently has over 101,000 suspected cases — but only 3,733 confirmed.