Brazil considers closing its border with Venezuela

As a measure to counter the spread of the coronavirus, Brazil is considering closing its border with Venezuela, which would increase already high-running tensions with Caracas.

But the border crossing in question, in northern Roraima state, would only be shut upon a request from that state.

Health minister Luiz Henrique Mandetta said Roraima's health system is struggling due to the high influx of Venezuelans in recent years, triggered by economic collapse.

And “Venezuela does not have a reliable heath surveillance system. As people from Venezuela, including foreigners from other countries living in that country, enter Brazil via Roraima, this condition is a major point of concern for me,” Mandetta told state broadcaster TV Brasil.

President Jair Bolsonaro criticized the Nicolás Maduro government earlier this week during a trip to the US, but Brazilian officials denied any political bias in the considerations to close the border.

PARAGUAY AND BOLIVIA BORDER

Brazil has so far no plans to close its borders with Paraguay and Bolivia though. Mandetta said these countries provide more credible information about coronavirus infections.

Brazil would not be the first country to deny entrance over coronavirus concerns. From March 13, the US will heavily restrict travel from Europe, for example.