12 Nov

The Brazilian government has not released figures of the country's new coronavirus cases for a week. Critics say the government is trying to cover up a worsening situation.

Data released before November 4 showed that Brazil has the third highest number of infections in the world. Between 20,000 and 30,000 new cases were being reported every day. The daily death toll was around 1,000.

Officials are blaming technical difficulties and say it will take some time to fix the problem.

Brazil will hold nationwide local elections on November 15. Pro-government candidates are reportedly facing an uphill battle amid criticism of the administration's handling of the outbreak.

Some local media reports say the government is suspected of deliberately concealing a surge in new cases to help its candidates in the elections.

NHK