Brazil's Bolsonaro says coronavirus restrictions kill economy [View all]

[Judi Lynn]

JULY 18, 2020 / 5:44 PM / UPDATED 3 HOURS AGO

Carolina Mandl, Leonardo Benassatto
2 MIN READ

SAO PAULO (Reuters) - Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro said on Saturday that lockdown measures used to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus “kill” and have “suffocated” the country’s economy.

“Without salaries and jobs, people die,” he said referring to restrictions imposed by some states and municipalities. “Lockdown kills,” he added, saying that some politicians have suffocated the economy with forced curfews.

The president’s statement comes as Brazil’s economy is expected to contract 6.4% this year, hit by the pandemic.

Bolsonaro, who announced he tested positive for COVID-19 on July 7, met his supporters in the grounds of his official residence, the Alvorada Palace, in Brasilia.

More:
https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-health-coronavirus-brazil/brazils-bolsonaro-says-coronavirus-restrictions-kill-economy-idUKKCN24J0VA