The effect of Covid-19 in Brazil was devastating and country leaders should listen to what the science says, says Michelle Bachelet | World

During a press conference, Bachelet was asked about Brazil’s response to the epidemic and about Jair Bolsonaro’s statements, such as his statement that Covid-19 would be a bit cold.

Without mentioning the name of Jair Bolsonaro, Bachelet claimed that the effect of the pandemic was devastating in countries where leaders denied the existence of Covid-19.

“This was the case in many countries, not only Brazil, but also Brazil. I think this is terrible, because leaders must lead by example, leaders must guide people and people must follow the recommendations of the World Health Organization, “said Bachelet.

The commissioner said that one of the problems that countries face during the pandemic is the lack of participation of society in the fight against the virus. According to her, people need to understand why some decisions are made to comply with the recommendations. “And they need to have confidence in the institution and the organization. So I believe and hope that in Brazil, leaders can be more open to what science says, “he said.

Bachelet explicitly cited recommendations that help prevent the spread of the coronavirus, such as wearing a mask, keeping your distance, and washing your hands.

“The Latin American region is one of the countries with the highest mortality rates in the world and I think that’s terrible,” he said.

According to her, a country may not have all the financial resources or hospitals to fight a pandemic, but if people are given the proper guidelines to avoid the coronavirus, the pathogen can spread less.

Bachelet then compared the situation in Latin America with Africa. “In Africa there are cases where there is a shortage of resources, but due to the experience with Ebola and other [doenças], the community is organized and knows how to respond to this type of disease, there were fewer cases of contagion and also fewer deaths.

Latin America has problems both with the number of cases and deaths and with the economic consequences, he said.

In Brazil, specifically, there was a disproportionate impact on vulnerable groups, such as Afro-descendants, indigenous people, LGBTI people, detainees and community residents, according to the high commissioner.