Brazil's Bolsonaro walks back decree to suspend worker pay amid coronavirus

[Judi Lynn]

Source: Reuters

MARCH 23, 2020 / 8:40 AM / UPDATED 2 HOURS AGO

Maria Carolina Marcello, Ricardo Brito
4 MIN READ

BRASILIA (Reuters) - Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro was forced on Monday to walk back a decree letting companies suspend pay to workers amid the coronavirus pandemic, following barbs from congressional leaders and rising discontent over his handling of the crisis.

A poll showed Bolsonaro losing the battle of public opinion as he attacks state governors for shutting down stores to slow the spread of the virus, which has tripled in four days to 1,891 confirmed cases, according to the Health Ministry. Deaths rose to 34 from 25 a day earlier.

While Bolsonaro has played down the gravity of the outbreak, which he called a “fantasy” two weeks ago, state governments and federal lawmakers are calling for aggressive measures to slow contagion and support the economy.

Rodrigo Maia, speaker of the lower house of Congress, proposed on Monday that Brazil should spend between 300 billion and 400 billion reais ($58-78 billion) in emergency funds, creating a “war budget” under which ordinary fiscal rules do not apply.
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Read more: https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-brazil/brazils-bolsonaro-walks-back-decree-to-suspend-worker-pay-amid-coronavirus-idUSKBN21A27O?feedType=RSS&feedName=worldNews&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Reuters%2FworldNews+%28Reuters+World+News%29&&rpc=401

[Judi Lynn]

1. Majority of Brazilians Are Afraid of Coronavirus and Support Containment Measures, Says Datafolha

In research, 73% approve quarantine; the young and richer are among those who have stopped working

Mar.23.2020 2:15PM

Igor Gielow
SÃO PAULO
With movement limited and establishments closed, the arrival of the novel coronavirus pandemic is scaring Brazilians and changing daily life.

Still, the majority of those interviewed by telephone by Datafolha in the past week say they agree with this more severe action.

Official decisions to try to contain the virus are highly accepted: 92% agree with the suspension of classes, 94% approve the ban on international travel, and 91% are in favor of stopping football.

The suspension of religious celebrations is suitable for 82% of respondents.

More:
https://www1.folha.uol.com.br/internacional/en/brazil/2020/03/majority-of-brazilians-are-afraid-of-coronavirus-and-support-containment-measures-says-datafolha.shtml?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=newsen

[Judi Lynn]

2. Sao Paulo stadium turning into hospital for coronavirus

By ASSOCIATED PRESS

PUBLISHED: 16:08 EDT, 23 March 2020 | UPDATED: 16:08 EDT, 23 March 2020

SAO PAULO (AP) - Pacaembu Stadium in downtown São Paulo is being turned into an open-air hospital to handle cases from the coronavirus outbreak.

The 45,000-seat stadium is expected to house more than 200 beds for minor cases of COVID-19. It should be ready in 10 days.

. . .

As of Monday afternoon, Brazil had more than 1,600 confirmed cases, and 25 deaths.

Almost all arenas used in the 2014 World Cup were also offered by clubs as open-air hospitals and health care units. Brazil has a public health care system, but federal and state officials believe it will be overwhelmed by the end of April.

More:
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/wires/ap/article-8144383/S-o-Paulo-stadium-turning-hospital-coronavirus.html

[sandensea]

3. One of the Brazilian victims of this virus, may end up being Bolso's own presidency

I understand a growing number of Brazilian lawmakers - including some from the centrist parties that connived in the legislative coup against Dilma Rousseff in 2016 - are now openly calling for Bolso's own impeachment.

The sooner, the better.

[Judi Lynn]

4. Outstanding news! So glad to hear this. Never have heard a peep through US corporate media!

It will enrage our fascist fool, who takes great pride in his bond with Bolsonaro, a fellow monstrosity.

My goodness. Never would have thought this could happen, since Brazil's right wing is as driven, as maniacal as the US fascists.

Bless their greedy hearts! They apparently have decided they do have some principles, after all. ✨

[sandensea]

5. Brazilian politics is definitely a contact sport - though sometimes for a good cause.

Will definitely try to keep an eye on this push to impeach - still very much in its initial stages.

Both impeachments of Brazilian presidents in recent history (Collor de Melo in '92, and Dilma) happened very quickly, with just weeks elapsing between the initial calls for it (where Bolso is now) until the actual removal.

Things could get interesting yet in sunny Brasilia.