The state of Amazonas is a hotspot for COVID-19 in Brazil. It's not the region with the highest number of cases or deaths in absolute numbers. But it has Brazil's highest infection ​rate​relative to its population.  

Mass graves are the only way to cope with the surge of deaths ​taking place here in Manaus, the capital of Amazonas state, in the Brazilian Amazon.  

Before the pandemic the largest cemetery in Manaus had about 30 burials per day. Now this number has risen to an average of more than 100 funerals daily.

The public health system in the state has virtually collapsed with public hospitals overwhelmed and nearly all intensive care beds taken. 

It is not clear why the state of Amazonas and its capital Manaus became COVID-19 hotspots. International traffic brought by the existence of a duty free zone here could be a contributor. ​Indifference to social distancing ​and other health guidelines are likely also playing a part. But regardless of the reasons, the consequences are here and ​will reverberate for some time.