Brazil digs more graves as virus deaths surge

Over 13,000 graves have been dug at the Sao Paulo's Vila Formosa Cemetery as Brazil prepares for more deaths from COVID-19, which has already killed over 6000 people in the country.

Sao Paulo:Thousands of graves have been dug in the Brazilian city of Sao Paulo as the country struggles to cope with the coronavirus outbreak.

More than 13,000 graves have been dug at the city's Vila Formosa Cemetery as the country prepares for more deaths from COVID-19, which has already killed hundreds of thousands of people across the globe, British broadcaster Sky News reported.

Burials have already begun at the mass grave with cemetery workers in full protective suits seen carrying coffins and conducting short burial services whilst loved ones grieve.

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has downplayed the threat of the virus, which he has previously likened to "a little flu".

Brazil, Latin-America's largest country, now has more victims and confirmed cases than reported by China.

For most people, the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough, that clear up in two to three weeks.

For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia, and could lead to death.

AP