Brazil holiday travel surges despite outbreak

Despite the rising numbers of COVID-19 cases in the country, Brazilians are travelling to enjoy the New Year holiday.

São Paulo's airport had a busy day as travellers gathered to fly for domestic and international destinations, while bus terminals also had robust numbers of travellers taking advantage of the long holiday weekend.

Many of them, like 20-year-old student Natalia Neves, are travelling to see family and friends while also enjoying the country's world-famous beaches.

Neves has been isolating for the entire year, but now she said she needs a break.

"Even with this (COVID-19) going out is necessary, our mental health is important because we are very tired. I can tell you that myself."

In Rio de Janeiro, some parts of Copacabana and Ipanema had large crowds gathered to start the holiday.

In some areas, few people were wearing masks, although many locals appeared to adhere to safety protocols and wore masks while enjoying the sun and waves.

The tourist Gustavo Santos, is from the São Paulo coastal city of Santos and went to Rio de Janeiro for the New Year.

"People who are alive today are not to blame. We are not the ones who put the virus in the world. I know we have to be aware of others, but we also want to live and be happy. "

Brazil has recorded nearly 200,000 deaths from COVID-19 and its hospitals once more are nearing full capacity.