The Daily What Went Wrong in Brazil
Jul 2, 2020
Ernesto Londoño, The Times’s Brazil bureau chief, delves into Brazil’s unexpected struggle with COVID-19, contrasting its past public health successes. He illustrates how the festive spirit during the carnival collided with governmental denial regarding the virus's severity. The discussion highlights the impact of political populism on public health responses, revealing how leadership decisions diverted resources and thwarted effective crisis management. Londoño provides insights into the societal divisions exacerbated by these failures, painting a harrowing picture of the pandemic’s toll in Brazil.
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Carnival and First Case
- Brazilians were preoccupied with Carnival celebrations in February, largely unconcerned about the coronavirus.
- The first COVID-19 case, a traveler from Italy, was diagnosed in Sao Paulo just as the festivities ended.
Bolsonaro's Florida Trip
- President Bolsonaro's trip to Florida with a large entourage in March led to several positive COVID-19 cases within the delegation.
- This raised concerns about the virus reaching the highest levels of government, yet Bolsonaro remained unconcerned.
Polarization and Protests
- Bolsonaro downplayed the virus, calling it a "measly cold" and a "fantasy," and resisted shutdowns.
- This polarized Brazilian society, with some following Bolsonaro's lead and others protesting his approach by banging pots nightly.