Bolsonaro defied isolation recommendations and caused crowds to form as he took photos and talked to supporters this Sunday.
Amid the pandemic, this Sunday (29), President Jair Bolsonaro left the official residence of Palácio da Alvorada by car to take a stroll through the streets of Brasília. Even in a pandemic scenario and after the Minister of Health, Luiz Henrique Mandetta, emphasized the importance of social isolation a day earlier. And communicated that people should stay at home, to prevent further spread of the coronavirus.
During his visit to Brasília, Bolsonaro went to a bakery and pharmacy in the Sudoeste neighborhood, and then went to the Armed Forces Hospital and the center of Ceilândia, one of the administrative regions of the Federal District.
The president's presence caused small crowds to gather on the streets, clearly contradicting the recommendations of the Ministry of Health (MS) and the World Health Organization (WHO) amid the pandemic.
On the streets, the president's presence caused small crowds to gather, contrary to the recommendations of the Ministry of Health and the World Health Organization (WHO).
Call for isolation
In the Southwest, the president heard a cry of “Open up the shops, president.” And a woman called for isolation. “Isolation for us, huh? Without isolation, we won’t make it.” Others wished him luck. “President, may God bless you.”
From the Southwest, Bolsonaro went to the Armed Forces Hospital. On his way out, he approached people and took photos, putting his face close to those of supporters who were waiting for him outside.
“I also went there to see how the flow of people who might be arriving was going,” Bolsonaro said upon returning from his trip, about his visit to the hospital. He declined to answer when asked if he had been tested. “What a question, my God. Another question,” he said.
During his visit, Bolsonaro also encountered even larger crowds in the center of Ceilândia. Some people appeared to be over 60 years old. This group is considered at risk and the most vulnerable to infection with the new coronavirus.
The president stopped to talk to a street vendor selling barbecue skewers. The video recording of this conversation was released on one of the president's social media pages.
Store Closure Decree
On the 19th, Governor Ibaneis Rocha (MDB) issued a decree ordering the closure of stores, bars, and restaurants until the 5th, as well as the prohibition of religious services and masses in the Federal District due to the coronavirus. School activities were also suspended. According to the decree, medical clinics, laboratories, pharmacies, gas stations, bakeries, markets, and construction material stores may continue to operate.
President's statement on “hysteria”
Even amid the pandemic, Bolsonaro has been defending the reopening of businesses and schools, arguing that reactions to the crisis are motivated by “hysteria” and “panic.” Contrary to the position of the Ministry of Health, which recommended the closure of these establishments as a measure to contain the spread of the coronavirus.
On Saturday (28), Bolsonaro had a meeting with Luiz Henrique Mandetta and other ministers at the Alvorada Palace to discuss measures against the new coronavirus crisis.
On the same day, a judge in Rio de Janeiro prohibited the linking of the propaganda “Brazil cannot stop”, registered on one of the government’s social media pages and whose video was shared by pro-Bolsonaro members of parliament. According to the Presidency’s Communications Secretary, the video had an “experimental nature” and there is no advertising campaign on the subject.