Brazil’s states react to the Covid-19 outbreak

As the effects of the coronavirus pandemic begin to affect the everyday lives of Brazilians, the country’s authorities are weighing in with measures and protections to attempt to control the spread and prepare for an incoming health crisis. However, as Brazil’s government works in a federal system, with a significant degree of decision-making power delegates to the country’s 27 states and over 5,000 municipalities, the response to the Covid-19 outbreak has differed across the nation.

On Thursday, Brazil’s Health Ministry issued an ordinance with a number of rules to guide the procedures concerning isolation and quarantine around the country. Among the provisions, the ministry stated that tests and treatment for the virus may be made mandatory.

Another determination of the Health Ministry involves the appropriation of assets of companies and individuals to assist in combating Covid-19, in return for “fair compensation.” While this initially appears to be a reference to private hospitals, with the government being able to use their facilities in a potential overflow of patients,...