RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – Over an online press conference on Wednesday afternoon, State Health Secretary André Longo and State Justice and Human Rights Secretary Pedro Eurico alerted the population of Pernambuco to the behavior observed in parks and, especially, on the state’s beaches.
According to them, the next few days will be decisive for making a decision regarding access to these sites. Unless there is a new attitude when using these areas, the chance of a new closure is not excluded, repeating the scenario of the harshest months of Covid-19 in the state, in 2020.
Although inspection on Pernambuco’s beaches has been stepped up, following a request by the state government to municipalities, last weekend’s scenario was not much different from that observed a few months ago.
Despite the fact that some beaches have recorded fewer people, some insist on disregarding the recommended health protocols, particularly with respect to the wearing of masks, which should only be removed when swimming or eating.
“We are aware of the importance of the sand strip for trade and tourism, but unless there is cooperation, we will be forced to implement this restrictive measure next week,” said André Longo.
“We have almost 200 kilometers of shoreline in the state. People cannot concentrate on the same area. If good sense doesn’t prevail, order will prevail, with people being detained and, if necessary, beaches closing. We don’t want that. We want everyone to live peacefully side by side, but we can’t allow abuse”, added Pedro Eurico.