Minister of Health since March 23, Marcelo Queiroga gave a second testimony at Covid's CPI in the Senate this Tuesday (8). He reaffirmed that the solution to end the pandemic is vaccination and reinforced the importance of social isolation measures and the use of masks. However, he avoided criticizing President Jair Bolsonaro's (no party) attitudes by causing crowds.
Unlike previous testimony, when he avoided giving an opinion on the effectiveness of hydroxychloroquine against Covid-19, the minister said he believed the drug was ineffective, as well as ivermectin. However, he pointed out that there is controversy on the subject among doctors and that, therefore, he submitted the topic to Conitec (National Commission for the Incorporation of Technologies in the Unified Health System). The minister also defended the holding of the Copa America in Brazil, saying the risk is low as long as the protocols are followed.
Dr. Nise Yamaguchi, the director of the Butantan Institute, Dimas Covas, the secretary of Labor Management and Health Education at the Ministry of Health, Mayra Pinheiro, and former ministers of Health Eduardo Pazuello, Luiz Henrique, have already been heard by the CPI. Mandetta and Nelson Teich. Former Chancellor Ernesto Araújo also testified, among others.
Translated by Kiratiana Freelon