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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
World
Imogen Braddick

Brazil's Christ the Redeemer illuminated as doctor to commend those fighting coronavirus outbreak

Brazil's iconic Christ the Redeemer statue was illuminated to look like a doctor on Easter Sunday to commend medics fighting the coronavirus pandemic.

Recognising frontline workers around the world, the statue in Rio de Janeiro was also illuminated with flags of countries affected by the Covid-19 outbreak.

Images and video clips of frontline workers wearing face masks and scrubs also urged people to stay at home.

"Fique Em Casa", meaning "Stay at Home", was projected onto the statue's arm, along with thank you in different languages.

The statue was illuminated to recognise medics across the world (Getty Images)

The city's archbishop, Dom Orani Tempesta, held a mass at the base of the statue during the light show, in which he called for unity and paid tribute to healthcare workers.

The statue, recognised worldwide as a symbol of Christianity, was also illuminated with rainbows and hearts during the light show, projecting the words "everything will be fine".

Mass was held at the base of the statue during the light show (Getty Images)

The Archbishop said: "We are all praying for families that are hurt and that have sick family members, or the families who have loved ones who died.

"It is not time for divisions but unity, we are united against a common enemy that transmits the virus that is contaminating so many people."

Dressed in face masks and scrubs, images of medics were projected onto the 38m tall status in Brazil (Getty Images)

As of Monday, Brazil had reported 22,318 cases, and 1,230 deaths.

This is the second illumination of the Christ the Redeemer statue during the coronavirus pandemic.

The statue was previously lit up with flags of countries affected by the outbreak.

The message #praytogether was projected in different languages.

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