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The Inertia

According to numerous reports, a police helicopter in Brazil whipped up a sandstorm to chase beachgoers who were ignoring the Coronavirus restrictions off the beach. It appears that the pilot is using drastic measures. Whether this is actually a draconian Coronavirus-related measure or just a pilot living in his own personal video game, it certainly looks painful.

The Independent reported that the incident happened on Friday at Galheta Beach in the city of Florianopolis, Santa Catarina. Brazil as a nation isn’t under an official lockdown, but the state of Santa Catarina has been “under emergency measures” since March 17. São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro are as well.

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has been dismissive of the Coronavirus, calling it a “little flu” on Tuesday and slamming the tactics state officials are using to protect the people. Many Brazilians are growing increasingly frustrated by his inaction.

On Tuesday, Bolsonaro took to Twitter to air his grievances about taking drastic measures to flatten the curve. “If companies don’t produce, they won’t pay salaries,” he wrote. “If the economy collapses, public workers also won’t receive anything. We need to open businesses and do everything to preserve the health of the old.”

Davi Alcolumbre, the leader of the Senate,  criticized Bolsonaro’s cavalier attitude towards the pandemic. “We consider the position expressed by the president to be grave,” he said. “Now more than ever, the nation expects from the executive leader transparency, seriousness, and responsibility.”

 
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