New daily record for virus deaths in Brazil

Rio de Janeiro, one of the cities worst hit by COVID-19 in Brazil, slowly started to reopen earlier this week, more than two months after non-essential businesses were forced to shut down to limit the spread of the virus. Brazil is the third highest country in the number of deaths due to the pandemic, trailing the US and the UK.

Rio de Janeiro:Families buried their loved ones in Rio de Janeiro on Friday, as Brazil announced its largest 24-hour increase in virus-related deaths since the outbreak began.

Among the victims was Paulo José da Silva, a 57-year-old man who refused to believe in the seriousness of the pandemic.

"He didn't wear a mask. He did not take care of himself. He made fun a little bit, didn't believe it, wanted to shake everybody's hand," said Monique dos Santos, da Silva's stepdaughter.

Brazil reported on Thursday more than 34,000 deaths and almost 6,15,000 COVID-19 cases.

It is the country with the third-highest number of deaths due to the pandemic, trailing the US and the UK.

Experts consider the actual tally is much higher but has been under-reported due to insufficient testing.

Even with a new record high, Rio de Janeiro, one of the cities worst hit by COVID-19 in Brazil, slowly started to reopen earlier this week, more than two months after non-essential businesses were forced to shut down to limit the spread of the virus.

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 death.

(With inputs from AP)