Brazil: Over two million COVID-19 cases confirmed as of July 16 /update 29

Event

As of Thursday, July 16, Brazilian authorities have recorded over two million confirmed cases of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), with the current total standing at 2,012,151 cases and 76,688 associated fatalities.

All air, land, and sea borders will remain closed to foreign nationals until Wednesday, July 29. Exemptions to this ban can be found here. Travelers arriving by air must arrive at either São Paulo International Airport (GRU), Tom Jobim International Airport (GIG), Viracopos International Airport (VCP), or Brasília International Airport (BSB), and must present a medical declaration that shows they have not tested positive for COVID-19 from a doctor or health authority.   

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). Human-to-human and patient-to-medical staff transmission of the virus have been confirmed. Many of the associated fatalities have been due to pneumonia caused by the virus.

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

Pneumonia symptoms include dry cough, chest pain, fever, and labored breathing. Pneumonia can be contagious and can be transmitted from human to human. The influenza virus, or the flu, is a common cause of viral pneumonia.

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.

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