São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro and Brasília

Jair Bolsonaro continued to minimize the impact of the novel coronavirus and encouraged Brazilians to cut their quarantine short—advice that goes against health experts and a worldwide trend.

The president intensified his political fight with governors and members of Congress, lost more allies, talked about democratic instability. State governors ignored him and decided to maintain their restrictive measures.

President Jair Bolsonaro. Foto: Marcos Corrêa/PR - Marcos Corrêa/PR

Bolsonaro's speech on Tuesday (24), which attacked the press and defended the resumption of school, was repudiated by those in medicine and politics. General Hamilton Mourão even went against the president and supported isolation.

Not only did the president's position provoke an official meeting with João Doria (PSDB), a potential opponent for 2022, but it also led to the break with former allies, such as Ronaldo Caiado (DEM-GO) and Commander Moisés (PSL-SC).

Luiz Henrique Mandetta, Minister of Health, backed Bolsonaro's opinion during an interview in which he did not answer questions. He said that quarantine in the states is disorganized and hasty and that he will not leave the government.

Translated by Kiratiana Freelon

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