Thousands flock to Rio’s famed beaches even as COVID-19 cases rise in Brazil

Thousands flocked to Rio de Janeiro’s famed beaches on Sunday, December 20, at the start of summer in the southern hemisphere, worrying authorities as coronavirus infections continue to rise in the country.

Most people did not wear face masks and crowded the beaches of Copacabana, Ipanema and Leblon.

New coronavirus cases have not indicated the pandemic is ending. In recent days, several countries including Brazil have reported record numbers of daily cases.

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, has been widely criticized for minimizing COVID-19, calling the disease caused by the virus a “little flu” even as Brazil is one of the countries most affected.

At the weekend, Brazil registered 50,177 new cases, bringing the total to 7,213,155. Deaths rose by 706 to 186,356.

Children enjoy the Arpoador beach, amid the outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil December 20, 2020.

Reuters

People enjoy the Arpoador beach, amid the outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil December 20, 2020.

Reuters

People enjoy the Ipanema beach, amid the outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil December 20, 2020.

Reuters

People take a shower at the Arpoador beach, amid the outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil December 20, 2020.

Reuters

A couple take a selfie as they enjoy Copacabana beach, amid the outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil December 20, 2020.

Reuters

People enjoy the Ipanema beach, amid the outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Reuters

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