Covid-19: Brazil Records 17,408 Cases in a Day, with Highest Rise in Death Toll

Brazil has recorded its highest daily rise in coronavirus infections and deaths since the outbreak began in the country.

Health officials reported a further 17,408 cases and 1,179 deaths in the past 24 hours.

In brings total covid-19 case count in the Brazil to 271,628 with 17,971 deaths of Tuesday, health officials said.

The country, which is the epicentre of the pandemic in Latin America, has the third highest number of infections worldwide, after Russia and the US.

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Health experts say the true figure may be far higher due to a lack of testing in the country. They fear the outbreak could overwhelm Brazil’s health system in the coming weeks if cases continue to rise.

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has repeatedly downplayed the threat of the coronavirus and criticised governors and mayors for adopting strict restrictions to curb its spread.

SOURCE: BBC