Despite warnings against gatherings due to coronavirus, people demonstrate across Brazil. The President participates and shares the news online.
This Sunday (15), people took to the streets in a pro-Bolsonaro government demonstration. Even after having recommended the postponement of the demonstrations last Thursday (12), due to the expansion of coronavirus cases in the country's main capitals. President Jair Bolsonaro left his isolation from the virus and participated in the demonstrations that took place in Brasília.
On his Twitter account, the president himself shared videos about the protests. The first shows bikers wearing shirts alluding to Brazil in Belém and Pará. The videos were originally published by federal deputy Éder Mauro (PSD-PA), with the hashtag #BolsonaroDay. Bolsonaro also posted a live video on his Facebook profile.
Around noon, the president left the Palácio da Alvorada for the Esplanada dos Ministérios via presidential convoy. The presidential car was followed by government supporters in a march along the Eixo Monumental of the Federal District towards the National Stadium.
Protesters ignore recommendations
In the state of Rio de Janeiro, protesters who ignored calls to avoid crowds gathered on Copacabana beach, in an area of about a block. Most of those present were elderly, the age group most susceptible to the consequences of the new coronavirus.
“Sorry, Jair, but I’m going.”
On Thursday, the 12th, through an official statement and amid suspicions that he had contracted the coronavirus, Jair Bolsonaro suggested that the demonstrations be postponed.
Despite the request, supporters of the president started a movement on social media called “Sorry, Jair, but I’m going.” They called on the population to take to the streets for pro-government demonstrations amid the risk of the coronavirus spreading among people.
According to the latest survey released by the Ministry of Health this Saturday, the 14th, Brazil currently has 121 confirmed cases of coronavirus and another 1,496 suspected cases. São Paulo is the state at the top of the ranking with 65 confirmed cases.