As Brazil veers closer to becoming a coronavirus pandemic hotspot, its government has been riven with internal dissent.

Justice Minister Sergio Moro, a popular crusader against corruption, resigned on Friday alleging political interference in the federal police force.

His resignation was prompted by far-right President Jair Bolsonaro's removal of the federal police chief.

When Mr Bolsonaro later appeared on national television flanked by his remaining ministers, many people in Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo and other cities leaned out their windows to bang pots and pans in protest.

Brazil's prosecutor general, Augusto Aras, asked the Supreme Court to open an investigation into Mr Moro's allegations.

Last week, Mr Bolsonaro fired his health minister, who had contradicted him by supporting social distancing measures aimed at controlling coronavirus.

Brazil's health ministry has confirmed nearly 53,000 COVID-19 cases and more than 3,600 deaths.

Experts warned that paltry testing means the true number of infections is far greater.

Scientists from the University of Sao Paulo, University of Brasilia and other institutions say the true number of people infected with the virus as of this week is probably as much as 587,000 to 1.1 million people.

Mr Bolsonaro has bounced from crisis to crisis during his administration, from his attacks on the media to his dismissal of last year's raging Amazon fires. More recently, he has drawn outrage with claims that the coronavirus is "a little flu" and scoffing at stay-at-home measures.

Brazil's benchmark stock index plunged on the latest political developments, and the currency weakened against the dollar to a record low.

People in Australia must stay at least 1.5 metres away from others and gatherings are limited to two people unless you are with your family or household.

If you believe you may have contracted the virus, call your doctor (don’t visit) or contact the national Coronavirus Health Information Hotline on 1800 020 080. If you are struggling to breathe or experiencing a medical emergency, call 000.

SBS is committed to informing Australia’s diverse communities about the latest COVID-19 developments. News and information is available in 63 languages at sbs.com.au/coronavirus.