By Pedro Fonseca
By Pedro Fonseca
RIO DE JANEIRO, March 18 (Reuters) – Brazil on Wednesday closed its border to Venezuelans for an preliminary 15 days, citing strains on the general public well being system from a worsening world coronavirus outbreak and what its president described as Venezuela’s lack of ability to reply to the epidemic.
The transfer, introduced in a decree revealed within the authorities gazette, doesn’t apply to vans transport items or cross-border humanitarian help beforehand licensed by well being officers. The 15-day ban on Venezuelans entering Brazil could possibly be prolonged, it added.
Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro introduced the measure on Tuesday amid mounting criticism of how he has dealt with the coronavirus disaster. Brazil this week reported its first fatality from COVID-19, the respiratory sickness brought on by the virus.
The virus has affected members of Bolsonaro’s internal circle. Brazil’s nationwide safety advisor Augusto Heleno mentioned on Wednesday he has examined constructive, although he didn’t have any signs.
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