How Bolsonaro became the world's worst COVID leader

This week, Brazil surpassed 4,000 deaths in a single day for the first time since the pandemic began more than a year ago—and experts warn the worst may be yet to come. Across the country, cemeteries are running out of space and some cities have opened up mass graves. In São Paulo, authorities say they plan to bury victims in drawer-like “vertical graves.” Bolsonaro—who claimed COVID was just a “little flu” early in the pandemic—has fought against isolation measures, arguing they only damage the economy. His catastrophic handling of the crisis has dealt a blow to his approval ratings and left him politically weakened. But in a country where millions toil in the informal sector—working as cleaners, taxi drivers or fruit sellers—his message has still resonated with many frustrated workers. Still, mayors and governors have defied Bolsonaro, attempting to put in place some restrictions in a bid to slow infections. In the lead up to Easter, cities like Rio de Janeiro imposed partial lockdowns that shuttered bars, restaurants and beaches. But such measures remain a hard sell to many Brazilians. Faced with pressure from a frustrated electorate and a flailing economy, authorities in a number of states—including Ceará and Santa Catarina—are set to ease them in the coming days.
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