The Intelligence from The Economist Costly disbelief: covid-19 ravages Brazil again
Jan 20, 2021
Sarah Maslin, Brazil correspondent for The Economist, shares her compelling insights into the devastating COVID-19 crisis hitting Brazil once again. She highlights the dire situation in Manaus, where a blend of governmental mismanagement and misinformation has led to critical healthcare shortages. The discussion also touches on the public's misconceptions about herd immunity. Additionally, the conversation shifts to the intriguing role of lasers in modern life, from practical applications in medicine to innovative technologies shaping the future.
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Manaus Crisis
- Manaus, a city in the Amazon rainforest, suffered a devastating second wave of COVID-19.
- Oxygen shortages led to patients dying in their homes, prompting makeshift ICUs and a desperate search for oxygen tanks.
Government Failure
- Both the state and federal governments failed to address the oxygen shortage in Manaus.
- The federal health minister ignored warnings and blamed the population's failure to adopt unproven treatments.
Manaus Vulnerability
- High population density and lax social distancing contributed to Manaus's vulnerability.
- New coronavirus strains originating in Manaus spread more rapidly, exacerbating the situation.