RIO DE JANEIRO – Rio de Janeiro’s Christ the Redeemer statue, which appears to balance improbably atop Corcovado mountain, has withstood the worst of what the elements could muster for nearly nine decades.
Now it, too, is succumbing to the outbreak of the new coronavirus. The 125-foot-tall statue, which last year saw almost 2 million visitors, closed at day-end Tuesday and won't reopen for at least a week.
To contain the virus’ spread, Brazil’s Chico Mendes Institute on Tuesday ordered the closure of all national parks it oversees, including the one that's home to the Christ.
At the foot of the statue throughout the overcast afternoon, the last selfie-snapping tourists were still allowed to gather on the lookout that offers a panoramic