Local residents get COVID-19 test in Brasilia, Brazil, May 26, 2020. (Photo by Lucio Tavora/Xinhua)

 Brazil's total COVID-19 deaths have surged to 34,021 after its health ministry on Thursday reported 1,437 new deaths in the last 24 hours, making its overall toll the third highest in the world, according to local media.

In addition, the Latin American country on Thursday reported 30,925 new COVID-19 infections, totaling 614,941 confirmed cases, said the health ministry.

By Thursday, its death toll has surpassed that of Italy, which has confirmed 33,689 deaths, following only the United States and the UK.