Brazil has entered a state of public disaster, and the epidemic has become nationwide community transmission!

People's Daily, Rio de Janeiro, March 21 (Li Xiaoxiao) Brazil entered a state of public disaster on the same day after the Brazilian Senate passed a decree on the state of public disaster submitted by the Brazilian government on the 20th.

On the same day, the Brazilian Senate held a video conference and voted to pass the decree. This is the first time in Brazil's history that voting has been held via video. Since the House of Representatives passed the decree on the 18th, Brazil directly entered a state of public disaster after it was passed by the Senate. The decree will be in effect until December 31.

Under the decree, the Brazilian government can increase public spending without having to meet its fiscal targets for the year. In addition, the Brazilian Congress will set up a special committee composed of members of both houses to oversee the use of the government budget and the implementation of anti-epidemic measures.

As of the 20th, Brazil reported 904 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 11 deaths. The Brazilian Ministry of Health said the epidemic has become community transmission across the country.