Data from Tuesday showed 1641 people died within the latest 24-hour period. The previous daily high was 1595 on July 29.

Brazil has recorded a total of 257,361 deaths linked to Covid-19.

Almost 60,000 new infections were recorded in the Tuesday figures, bringing the total number of cases the country has seen to more than 10.6 million.

Only the United States and India have recorded more infections.

Brazil, which started its vaccination campaign in January, is one of the worst-hit countries by the pandemic worldwide.

After hospitals recently reached breaking point, the country's health council demanded a nationwide lockdown.

President Jair Bolsonaro, who has downplayed the seriousness of the virus from the start, has recently called into question the fundamental need for a coronavirus vaccine.

He has rejected restrictions for economic reasons.

Brazil, a country of some 210 million people, remained largely open over Christmas, New Year, the summer holidays and Carnival week.

On Saturday, a delivery of materials to produce 12.2 million doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine arrived in Rio de Janeiro.

The Fundacao Oswaldo Cruz research institute plans to produce some 110 million doses of AstraZeneca's vaccine by the middle of the year using imported active ingredients.

In the second half of the year it should be able to independently produce another 110 million doses thanks to technology transfers.

Australian Associated Press