Brazil's COVID-19 cases top 4 million

Brazil on Thursday reported 43,773 new coronavirus infections over the previous 24 hours, bringing the total cases to more than 4.04 million, according to the health ministry officials.

The country also saw 834 more deaths due to COVID-19, raising its death toll to 124,614.

The health ministry said the number of infections has been reducing slightly in recent days, amid hopes that the pandemic had peaked, following months when the daily average of deaths was over 1,000.

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, who has consistently downplayed the severity of the coronavirus pandemic, reiterated on Thursday that COVID-19 vaccinations will not be obligatory when available.

Brazil last month signed an agreement with AstraZeneca to buy 30 million doses of the vaccine it's developing with Oxford University, with an option for 70 million more doses, if the vaccine works.

(With input from agencies)