Coronavirus, spreading in Brazil's interior, threatens to 'boomerang' back to major cities

Healthcare workers Marilia Correa, 38, a nurse, Nizomar Monteiro, 38, a health secretary and Ademilton Valente, 34, a boat driver, walk along a bridge to access a house in the riverside community Pinheiro, as they visit riverside communities to check on residents during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, in the municipality of Portel, on Marajo island, Para state, Brazil, June 6, 2020. REUTERS/Ueslei Marcelino SEARCH "COVID-19 BRAZIL AMAZON" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES REFILE - CORRECTING ID

RIO DE JANEIRO (Reuters) - The novel coronavirus, now spreading through the smaller towns of Brazil's interior, risks returning to major cities in a so-called "boomerang effect," as a lack of specialized medical treatment forces patients into larger urban centers.

The impact of a potential second wave of new cases in urban centers could complicate attempts to reopen businesses and get the economy going again, experts said.