One of the world's biggest parties could fall victim to the coronavirus pandemic, as Brazilian officials debate whether to cancel or postpone the annual Carnival celebration.
Without knowing whether the Carnival will go ahead, people who would normally be engaged in preparing for the festivities are instead struggling to find alternative ways to find an income.
Diogo Jesus, the principal dancer for the Mocidade Independente de Padre Miguel samba school, used to take part in performances throughout the year.
Now, as the school's shows have been canceled due to the pandemic, he works as an Uber driver and sews masks to sell.
"It had an impact in our monthly and annual income, and we had to develop other alternatives way to complement our income," Jesus said.
Vania da Silva has worked as a seamstress for the Unidos de Padre Miguel samba school for 18 years.
But as the school workshop is closed, da Silva now relies on donations and turned her talents away from costumes to repairing clothes.
"Thank God I am (able to) live with donations of basic food kits and with the (income from) clothes repairs I do," she said.
Authorities from Rio de Janeiro are expected to announce the future of the city's 2021 Carnival at the end of September.
With more than 4.5 million reported infections, Brazil has the third highest case toll in the world behind the United States and India.
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