Brazil: Brazil records highest daily number of COVID-19 cases and fatalities July 29 /update 30

Event

The Brazilian Health Ministry reported the country's largest daily number of confirmed coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases and deaths on Wednesday, July 29. The 69,074 cases and 1595 deaths recorded on Wednesday took the total number of cases in the world's second worst-hit country to 2,555,518 with 90,188 deaths. Wednesday's figures have partially been blamed on a backlog of reporting after issues were encountered in data being sent from some areas; however, last week the country recorded the most COVID-19 fatalities in a week, 7677, since the pandemic began, defying predictions that the outbreak has peaked.

Despite the rise in cases, the gradual easing of restrictions is continuing. On Wednesday, the government announced that it will lift a ban on foreign travelers entering the country, providing that they have health insurance coverage for their trip.

The use of face masks remains mandatory in São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Belo Horizonte, and Brasília in essential commercial establishments, such as supermarkets and pharmacies, as well as on public transport.

Further spread of the virus is expected in the near term.

Context

The first case of COVID-19 was reported on December 31 and the source of the outbreak has been linked to a wet market in Wuhan (Hubei province, China). Since then, human-to-human transmission of the virus has been confirmed.

Cases of the virus have been confirmed in numerous countries and territories worldwide. On March 11, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the global outbreak a pandemic. Virus-screening and quarantining measures are being implemented at airports worldwide, as well as extensive travel restrictions.

The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, dry cough, and tiredness. Some patients may experience other symptoms such as body pains, nasal congestion, headache, conjunctivitis, sore throat, diarrhea, loss of taste or smell or a rash on skin or discoloration of fingers or toes. These symptoms (in most cases mild) appear gradually. Generally, most patients (around 80 percent) recover from the disease without being hospitalized.

Advice

Measures adopted by local authorities evolve quickly and are usually effective immediately. Depending on the evolution of the outbreak in other countries, authorities are likely to modify, at very short notice, the list of countries whose travelers are subject to border control measures or entry restrictions upon their arrival to the territory in question. It is advised to postpone nonessential travel due to the risk that travelers may be refused entry or be subject to quarantine upon their arrival or during their stay.

To reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission, travelers are advised to abide by the following measures:

• Frequently clean hands by applying an alcohol-based hand rub or washing with soap and water.
• When coughing and sneezing, cover mouth and nose with a flexed elbow or tissue; if used, throw the tissue away immediately and wash hands.
• If experiencing a fever, cough, difficulty breathing, or any other symptoms suggestive of respiratory illness, including pneumonia, call emergency services before going to the doctor or hospital to prevent the potential spread of the disease.