Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has called the coronavirus lockdown in major cities a "crime".
Speaking to journalists, he accused the mayors and governors of those cities of committing a crime, and urged them to prioritize reviving instead.
"Other viruses have killed many more than this one and there wasn't all this commotion," he stressed.
Meanwhile, Sao Paulo Governor Joao Doria appealed to the leader to "lead the nation, not divide it" at a time of crisis.
It comes as public health experts have warned the coronavirus outbreak in Brazil could trigger a collapse of the healthcare system next month.
The death toll stands at 59 while confirmed cases touched 2,554.


Philippines confirms visit by alleged Bondi gunmen amid terrorism concerns
Israeli forces kill Palestinian teen in West Bank, health ministry says
Trump sues BBC for defamation, seeks up to $10 billion in damages
FBI foils 'terror plot' targeting Los Angeles
Hong Kong court finds tycoon Jimmy Lai guilty in landmark security trial
Ukraine peace talks stretch into second day at start of pivotal week for Europe
Flash floods kill at least 37 people in Morocco's Safi province
'Hero' who disarmed Bondi gunman recovering after surgery, family says
