Brasilia, August 20 (RHC)-- The Brazilian Congress has overruled President Jair Bolsonaro's veto on not exercising authority in requiring the use of masks in public spaces to prevent possible contagion with COVID-19.

During the legislative session, the parliamentarians stated that the Brazilian president had vetoed 25 points of the norms established to sanction the noncompliance with the supply and mandatory use of face masks to mitigate the risk of infection.

Subsequently, the plenary session of Congress overruled Bolsonaro's veto on the collection of economic fines in cases of infringement of health measures, as well as punishing repeat offenders.  Also, it was included in the legislative text that the money collected from fines for infractions of health measures would be destined to the public health network with the objective of combating COVID-19.

Similarly, the ban established by Bolsonaro on not guaranteeing access of drinking water for the most vulnerable communities and hygiene equipment for indigenous communities was annulled.

"Of all the vetoes, perhaps there is none more cruel than the one that denies access to drinking water to any citizen.  We could go so far as to say that there is no leader so insensitive, but unfortunately there is.  His name is Jair Bolsonaro," said Senator Randolfe Rodrígues.