Coronavirus: Bolsonaro downplays threat of pandemic to Brazil Published duration 25 March Related Topics Coronavirus pandemic

image copyright Reuters image caption An image saying "Out Bolsonaro" was projected onto a building in Sao Paulo

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has accused the media of "fear-mongering" in a speech that downplayed the threat of coronavirus to the country.

In a televised address on Tuesday, he called on mayors and governors to roll back restrictions they have introduced to curb the spread of Covid-19.

His intervention came as the two biggest cities - Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro - went into partial lockdown.

Brazil has reported 2,200 confirmed infections and 46 deaths.

“Our lives have to go on. Jobs must be kept... We must, yes, get back to normal,” Mr Bolsonaro said, in a speech that sparked protests across the country.

The president described restrictions on public transport, social-distancing measures, and closures of businesses and schools as “scorched-earth” policies.

He added that people aged over 60 were at risk, but that most people - including himself - had nothing to fear.

"With my history as an athlete, if I were infected with the virus I would have no reason to worry. I would feel nothing, or it would be at most just a little flu."

image copyright Reuters image caption A woman in Rio de Janeiro beats a pot and pan during President Bolsonaro's speech

Concerns have been raised about whether Mr Bolsonaro may possibly have already have had Covid-19. Over the last couple of weeks, 22 officials who joined him on a recent trip to the United States have tested positive.

Mr Bolsonaro has twice said that his test came back negative, but he has refused to provide proof.

Following the president's speech on Tuesday, the head of Brazil’s Senate, Davi Alcolumbre, said the country required “serious, responsible leadership”.

“We consider grave the position expressed by the president today, on national networks, of attacking Covid-19 containment measures,” he added.

“The position runs against the actions adopted by other countries and suggested by the World Health Organization".

Mr Alcolumbre himself has the coronavirus and is in isolation at home.