Latin America's GDP Expected to Fall in 2020 Due to COVID-19
The countries most impacted by the decline in GDP will be Mexico and Ecuador. The COVID-19 pandemic will cause a sharp drop in Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth in Latin American and Caribbean countries in 2020, according to the World Bank. A new report by the international organization estimates that the drop in GDP in the region will be 4.6%. The decrease will occur due to the impact that the pandemic has had on the world economy. Millions of people have lost their jobs, have been forced to stay at home and cancel trips abroad. The economy has also been hit by social tensions and the collapse in international oil prices.
Cuba is Willing to Send More Medical Brigades to the World
On Sunday, a new Cuban medical brigade left for Italy, in Europe, and Togo, in West Africa. Cuba is in condition to send more medical brigades to countries that need support to contain the COVID-19 pandemic, the Cuban government said, "We defend solidarity, even in times of pandemic," Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez said on Sunday on the social network Twitter. According to Rodriguez, new Cuban medical brigade from the Henry Reeve International Contingent left for Italy, in Europe, this Sunday. "A brigade of eleven collaborators left today for Togo, in sub-Saharan Africa, to support the confrontation with the COVID-19. This is the first time that a Cuban medical brigade will bring health to that nation."
First Yanomami Covid-19 death raises fears for Brazil's indigenous peoples
A Yanomami teenager has reportedly died after contracting Covid-19, further fuelling fears over the disease’s potential to decimate indigenous communities in the Amazon. The victim – who health authorities named as 15-year-old Alvanei Xirixana – died on Thursday night after spending almost a week in intensive care in Boa Vista, a Brazilian city near the Yanomami’s Portugal-sized reserve. The teenager’s death has rekindled painful memories for the Yanomami as well as fears over the coronavirus’s potential to wreak havoc on indigenous communities across South America.
Coronavirus: Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio illuminated as doctor
The Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro was projected with images of medics, to pay tribute to those working amidst the Covid-19 crisis.
Ronaldinho granted house arrest in Paraguay amid fake passport flap
After just more than a month in a maximum-security prison, Ronaldinho was released and placed into house arrest by Paraguayan authorities on Tuesday. The Brazilian maestro was twice denied bail and pleaded to be transferred into house arrest despite reportedly offering $1.6m for his and his brother’s release. Their lawyer maintains that his clients did not know the documents were falsified, as they were given to him by a local sponsor. The two had landed two days earlier to promote Gaucho’s new book, Genius in Life, and a health initiative for underprivileged children in the country.
Bolívar Now On Netflix
This highly-rated historical drama depicts the life -- and loves -- of Venezuelan Gen. Simón Bolívar, who helped liberate several Latin American countries from Spain. Get up to date on your Latin American history during this quarantine!
