MILLIONS protested in the cities of Sao Paolo and Rio de Janeiro on Wednesday demanding the resignation of far-right President Jair Bolsonaro over his handling of the coronavirus pandemic.

Brazilians took to their balconies banging pots and pans during a televised speech by Mr Bolsonaro in the biggest demonstration against his rule since he came to power in 2018.

Anger increased after the former army captain, who has twice been cleared of the virus, came out of self-isolation and mingled with thousands of supporters just hours after his health minister warned against attending large gatherings.

There are more than 500 reported cases of the virus in Brazil, including two government ministers. Four people have died.

Mr Bolsonaro previously dismissed the coronavirus as “fantasy” and the idea of taking measures against its transmission “hysteria.”

But in Wednesday’s address he announced emergency measures to limit the spread of the virus and a financial aid package to support the economy and low-income families.

He acknowledged the gravity of the situation saying he wanted to calm the Brazilian people, but warned “we can’t let ourselves go into hysteria.”

But the measures failed to satisfy the protesters as millions chanted “Bolsonaro out” in a noisy protest.