As our president ignores COVID-19, Brazilians can be our own leaders
(Courtesy of Raphaele Godinho)
A 19-year-old Brazilian student writes about how her life and education have changed during the pandemic — and what governments and citizens can do to help.
The entire world seems to have stopped because of the COVID-19 pandemic, except for my home country of Brazil. Last week, despite the fear and international warnings, President Jair Bolsonaro decided that the economy is worth more than our lives and urged citizens to continue working. Most of the population are resisting the presidential order. Mayors and governors throughout Brazil are promoting public disobedience and telling people to stay home, but not everyone has the option.
My mother works as a buyer in one of the main hospitals in Sorocaba, which is in São Paulo state, and has to keep working. Although she is not in the capital of São Paulo, which is the center of the country's epidemic, and she does not work directly with the sick, she is still exposed to COVID-19 so our family must act with the utmost caution.
A few days ago, we abolished hugs in my home because mother doesn't want to put me or my sister at risk. This might seem like a minor sacrifice but it is difficult for my family who is used to constant embraces. During this challenging time, all I want is to hug my mother but I know I can’t for my safety and the safety of others. It is frustrating to see my family and families across Brazil taking extra precautions, while our country’s top leadership continues to dismiss the dangers of the virus.
“My university is now closed and all of my classes are streamed online. Sometimes it takes a long time to connect as I live on the periphery of my city where the internet signal is poor...”
My university is now closed and all of my classes are streamed online. Sometimes it takes a long time to connect as I live on the periphery of my city where the internet signal is poor (as are other basic services that should be provided by the state). Many of my peers are in the same situation either because they live on the outskirts of cities or in rural areas, or because they can’t afford internet access. Some university students around the country are creating petitions against online classes as they exclude the poorest students. Today, 30% of the Brazilian population does not have access to the internet.
The digital divide between Brazilians is one of many problems that the COVID-19 pandemic has brought to the surface. Another is the fact that some people can work from home, but a large portion of Brazilians cannot. In my neighborhood, I see many people still going to work, even in a lockdown situation, especially domestic workers, bricklayers or those who work informal jobs. They do not have much of a choice but to continue working. Either they stay safe by not working but can’t provide for their families, or they remain at risk by working but are able to put food on the table.
In 2018, Brazil had almost six million women working as domestic servants, of which only 27% had formal employment contracts. A recent Reuters article illustrates how these workers are especially vulnerable to the virus. In Rio de Janeiro, a 63-year-old housekeeper named Cleonice Gonçalves died after contracting the virus from her employer, who had recently returned from a vacation in Italy. Allegedly, her employer was experiencing symptoms but did not tell Cleonice and continued to let her work despite the risks.
“We cannot wait for our leaders to lead. Let’s show them the way through our example.”
The government needs to address these social and economic inequalities to keep the population alive. I shudder to think how many more will pass away if we proceed with the president’s recommendation to return to a normal pace of life.
I hope the people of Brazil can band together in a spirit of solidarity to disobey the executive branch and remain in a lockdown if they’re able to. By staying inside our homes, we can contain the virus and protect those we love. Together, we can show those in power that every life is worth saving.
We cannot wait for our leaders to lead. Let’s show them the way through our example.
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