(ATR) Nothing could stop a record number of people from traveling down to Rio to view the annual Carnaval parade.
Despite economic uncertainty, and a public health crisis stemming from an outbreak of Zika, people still visited Rio de Janeiro for the celebrations from all over the world. According to O Globo, a record 120,000 people packed themselves into the Sambodrome to watch Rio’s samba schools parade in competition.
The mood around Carnaval was just as festive. No block parties were cancelled and the jovial atmosphere has engulfed the city for the past two weeks. Parties are expected to continue through the weekend.
The ministry of health even sponsored a block party in Copacabana under the theme of "No Zika." The aim was to spread public awareness about the disease and promote good health practices as people danced and enjoyed the day.
Rio has not been hit as hard as the Northeast of Brazil, a saving grace for the Olympic city. As the virus continues to impact the Americas, it remains important to continue to spread awareness, while highlighting those who have been affected. Zika is a virus similar to Dengue fever, a disease that is common in Brazil and many other tropical countries.
This remains in stark contrast to the landscape of coverage about the disease, especially from outside of Brazil. No doubt the international attention the Olympics brings heightens any story in the run up to the Games. Public officials are hurrying to find solutions after being slow to react to the initial crisis.
The risks related to what can happen after having the disease, especially for women, need to be researched and quickly. For now, we must take the World Health Organization’s warnings at their face value. They have not declared that tourists should not come to visit, and the only solution remains preparedness and knowledge.
Olympic organizers and government officials need to follow suit and share how they are protecting athletes. Spraying venues while saying that discussions are ongoing is not enough. To win back the outside public’s trust, they must show actions and solutions. What protocols are being shared with Rio 2016 athletes? How will mosquitoes be eradicated where they live? What about tourists milling around the Olympic Park, and venues such as Copacabana Beach?
Answering these questions will be key for the last six months of preparations and could help define the legacy of the first Games in South America.
In the end people will still come for the Games from all corners of the globe. If Carnaval shows anything about Rio it is that in the middle of multiple crises, a large party is always welcome and Brazil is a gracious host.
Written by Aaron Bauer in Rio de Janeiro
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