President Donald Trump has issued a proclamation suspending entry for foreign nationals who have come from or traveled to Brazil within 14 days prior to their attempt to enter the United States. The travel restriction is aimed at limiting the spread of COVID-19 within the United States, which maintains the highest number of coronavirus cases in the world to date.
As of late May 2020, Brazil has the second-highest number of recorded cases with over 370,000, putting those who travel between the US and Brazil at an increased risk of contracting the virus. White House officials have affirmed that the new restriction will not apply to the flow of commerce between the two countries.
Reports indicate that the healthcare system in Brazil is already beginning to break down and that Brazil’s indigenous population is being affected at a higher rate. Despite the country’s rising number of fatal cases, Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro is urging businesses to reopen.
