We’re covering the Health Ministry’s intentions to resume the in-person economy. The new normal for Brazil’s foreign exchange rate. And the impacts of the coronavirus on industry and commerce.
Brazil to loosen quarantine based on flawed data
In his first press conference as Brazil’s Health Minister, Nelson Teich said the country needs to think about how it will reopen the economy. “Social isolation is natural and logical at first, but it must be followed by an exit plan.” To justify his position, the minister said “Brazil is one of the best-performing countries against Covid-19,” saying the country has fewer deaths per million people than Germany, Italy, Spain, or the U.S.
Yes, but … The newly-appointed minister is analyzing the situation based on data that is massively underreporting cases and deaths, according to multiple experts. The true extent of the crisis remains unknown in Brazil.
- A study by the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation shows that the number of hospitalizations for acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) — which can be caused by Covid-19 — has been almost ten times higher this year than the average over the past decade.
Fine line. The minister must tread a fine line between proposing a reopening that is quick...