Prognosis

Latin America Isn’t Ready for the Virus Onslaught Headed Its Way

  • Wealth divide puts millions at risk in next front for outbreak
  • Many cases so far have been among affluent with quality care
A still-crowded street in Sao Paulo on March 19.Photographer: Rodrigo Capote/Bloomberg
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For weeks, as the world was gripped by panic over the spreading coronavirus, Latin America looked largely unscathed. Supermarkets were stocked, buses still crowded and, as recently as a few days ago, the Mexican and Brazilian presidents were unabashedly mingling with large crowds.