"There Are Some Idiots Who still Stay in The House Today," Says Bolsonaro about Isolation in The Pandemic

President defended people in the countryside who never stopped during the Covid health crisis

Brasília

In a conversation with supporters on Monday morning (17), President Jair Bolsonaro called people who continue to stay at home to prevent the spread of the coronavirus "idiots."

Bolsonaro also praised agribusiness, which honored him at an event at the Esplanada dos Ministérios on Saturday (15). He said that people in the countryside did not stop during the pandemic and thus guaranteed food for those who stopped going out on the streets.

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro (C) arrives on horseback at a demonstration by farmers against the Supreme Court and calling for the end of COVID-19 restrictions, in Brasilia, on May 15, 2021 - The rally's organizers have called for conservative "soldiers" to protest the "craziness" of pandemic stay-at-home measures and Brazil's Supreme Court, which allowed local authorities to impose such policies over Bolsonaro's objections. (Photo by EVARISTO SA / AFP) - AFP

"The farm really didn't stop. There are some idiots there, the 'stay at home'. There are some idiots who still stay at home today. If those on the farm had stayed at home, this guy would have died of hunger, this idiot would have died of hunger. Hence, they complain about everything," said Bolsonaro.

Isolation is the most effective measure to curb the advancement of Covid-19, since the coronavirus is transmitted through coming into contact with contaminated people.

Translated by Kiratiana Freelon

Read the article in the original language