COVID IN THE RAINFOREST: Emerging Crisis hits the AmazonWith more than 250,000 reported cases,

COVID IN THE RAINFOREST: Emerging Crisis hits the Amazon

With more than 250,000 reported cases, Brazil has become the country with the third-highest number of confirmed COVID-19 infections in the world. Some analysts say the exact figure could be up to fifteen times higher than the confirmed figure, as there is insufficient testing in the large South American nation. 

Many isolated and impoverished indigenous groups in Brazil’s Amazon region are at a higher risk, as their community settlements are located far from medical service providers, surrounded by many of miles of rainforest. This map by the Financial Times shows the officially recognized indigenous territories in Brazil, which are amongst the poorest in South America.

 In Amazonas, home to many of Brazil’s indigenous territories, more than 1,200 people have already died of COVID-19. Scientists and indigenous chiefs believe the spread of infection can be traced to gold miners and loggers in the region, who have increased illegal activities in the Amazon while national attention has been diverted from environmental protection during the pandemic.

This map depicts the location of the indigenous communities in Brazil under threat from coronavirus. All COVID-19 updates will be displayed in a red box.

Source: Financial Times, May 15, 2020