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Brumadinho’s mayor Avimar de Melo Barcelos also ordered the suspension of the activities of Vale’s contractors.

The municipality also halted works to repair the Córrego do Feijão mine’s tailings dam, that collapsed last year, killing 270 people.

Only administrative and legal activities related to assisting residents affected by the rupture of the dam may operate, the city decreed, over concerns workers could be exposed to covid-19.

The city did not say how long Vale’s operations will remain suspended.

According to the municipality, there are 13 confirmed cases of covid-19 in the city and another 250 being investigated.

Vale has not responded to requests for comment on the decision.