As soon as the novel coronavirus pandemic emerged in Brazil, grassroots organizers decided on creative strategies to raise awareness in the favelas.

"People were still out and about, not knowing how to quarantine since they need to work in order to eat," said Gizele Martins, journalist and resident of the Maré favelas, in an episode about favelas and the new coronavirus for the podcast "Na rede com o Cinco." She belongs to a group that developed prevention actions even before the first case of COVID-19 was confirmed in a Rio de Janeiro slum.

Brazil has 13.6 million people living in favelas, according to research by Data Favela, and almost 1.4 million are in Rio de Janeiro alone. Informal workers, who comprise a large population of the favelas, face the challenge of complying with the stay-at-home order of the Brazilian Ministry of Health, as cases emerge in these vulnerable areas.

According to a report by Rio de Janeiro's health department, on April 8, six deaths were confirmed in the favelas as a result of COVID-19. To monitor suspected and recovered cases, the NGO Voz das Comunidades is tracking coronavirus cases in the favelas of Rio.

Initiatives are spreading throughout Rio de Janeiro and beyond. Concerned with the local coverage, grassroots media organizations such as Maré 0800, Maré Vive and A Maré Vê worked with health professionals to produce audio announcements to broadcast from cars throughout the streets.

Suzane Santos, who is part of Frente de Mobilização in Maré, explained the strategy behind the public announcements: “We understand that not all residents have access to the internet, so awareness via online media is limited and doesn't reach everyone. In person, we manage to convey more care and compassion.” The local campaign also features posters and more than 60 banners in busy spaces, such as soccer fields and bars, reinforcing hygiene and social distancing guidelines.

In other favelas such as Complexo do Alemão, Cidade de Deus and Rocinha, there are also online and offline initiatives, covering the Ministry of Health's guidelines such as frequent hand washing and avoiding spaces with a large number of people.