Bolsonaro Names Fourth Health Minister Since Pandemic Began

Brazil President Jair Bolsonaro on Monday named a doctor as the country's new health minister, hours after the general currently in the role confirmed that Bolsonaro was weighing candidates to replace him. Marcelo Queiroga, a cardiologist, is set to replace General Eduardo Pazuello and become the fourth health minister in Brazil since the start of the coronavirus pandemic. (NP)

• In an interview with CNN, the new health minister said the policy to declare a Covid lockdown should be an exception applied to extreme situations.

• No announcement of an FX swap auction for Tuesday in advance, like there has been over the last three sessions. Higher than expected general price data this morning continues to add pressure to the central bank who will make their decision on the Selic rate on Wednesday after markets close. A full preview with analyst views will be published shortly.
• Elsewhere, Eletrobras rescheduled earnings to be released on March 19 after the markets close and conference call will now be held on March 22 from March 16, company said in a filing.