SAU PAULO — Deaths related to coronavirus in Brazil surpassed the 50,000-mark on Sunday, news reports said, quoting the country’s health authorities,

The death toll rose by 641 from the previous day to 50,617, according to Health Ministry data.

It comes amid growing political tension and just days after the country confirmed more than one million coronavirus infections.

The number of cases is likely much higher according to experts due to a low rate of testing being conducted.

Globally, only the United States has recorded more deaths, at over 110,000, and more infections, at over 2.2 million, according to a tally by John Hopkins University.

The decision of Brazil's far-right President Jair Bolsonaro to oppose lockdowns and focus on the economy has been hugely divisive.

Two health ministers — both doctors — have left their posts as deaths and infections have surged. The first was sacked by Bolsonaro, the second resigned after disagreeing with the president.

Brazil has recently been recording about 1,000 deaths a day, although figures at weekends tend to be lower. Many experts believe the lack of testing nationally - some of them say the level is 20 times less than needed - suggests the overall figures could be considerably higher. — Agencies