BRASILIA: Brazil’s High Court has ruled the country can host the Copa America even though the COVID-19 pandemic is still contagious.

With the voting still underway, a majority of judges are in favor of organizing the tournament which will last three more days.

“It is the responsibility of the governor and mayor of each state to establish health protocols to ensure‘ Copavirus ’is preventable,” said judge Carmen Lucia.

After a 12-month delay due to the pandemic, the Copa America almost came to a standstill when co-hosts Colombia and Argentina faced problems at the last minute-Colombia because of anti-government protests and Argentina because of the surge in the COVID-19 case.

Brazil offered to host at the last minute and the decision sparked controversy as the country also faces the COVID-19 problem which has now claimed the lives of 480,000 people.

Expert doctors warn Brazil will face a surge of new cases and the organization of international sporting events will worsen the situation.