Rio Bar Customers Disregard Crowding and Mask Rules on First Reopening Day

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – The first night that bars were authorized to reopen in Rio, on Thursday, July 2nd, was marked by disregard for the distancing rules imposed to fight Covid-19. Footage shows that establishments disrespected the 11 PM closing rule, and operated into the early hours of Friday, July 3rd.

On Dias Ferreira Street, in Leblon, a traditional bohemian haven in Rio’s South Zone, many people pressed against each other on the sidewalk and even on the road. Most people were not wearing masks, even when standing, which is contrary to the relaxation rules.

Pictures posted on social media show crowds on the street, particularly on the block ending at Ataulfo de Paiva Avenue, which houses many bars and restaurants. Between Rainha Guilhermina and Aristides Espinola streets, some people stayed gathered after the bars closed.

At around half past midnight, some groups were still gathered on the sidewalk near the Jobi and Void bars, which were already closed.

In one of the videos, the man filming is mocking the pandemic and the wearing of masks. In another, a woman laughs: “Today is July 2nd, the first day of the release of bars in Rio de Janeiro, we are here at Dias Ferreira, and everyone is definitely wearing a mask, look…”, she says, filming nearly everyone without the obligatory item against the spread of the virus.

In equally bohemian Lapa, downtown Rio, the situation was different. In the pictures, one can see that there was no crowding in bars, which respected the closing time at 11 PM. The Municipal Guard intervened in the area. Bars and restaurants that violate the rules could be fined up to R$13,000 (US$2,447).

There were also reports of crowds and non-compliance with rules in Copacabana, and on Olegário Maciel Avenue, in Barra da Tijuca.

For city councilor Rafael Aloísio Freitas, from Rio’s legislative front in defense of bars and restaurants, there must be a firm but prompt inspection, so that establishments that are complying with the rules are not penalized.

In addition, he points out that bars that do not have a license to place tables and chairs on the sidewalks should not be held liable for crowds on the streets. “If bars have licenses, they need to inspect, not let them crowd on the sidewalk. But the city must inspect it, firmly, and promptly,” he says.

What the city says

In a note, the Municipal Guard reports that it found many crowds in Dias Ferreira Street on Thursday night and that all establishments closed their doors after being advised about the situation.

According to the Guard, between June 5th and 30th, 843 public health infractions were recorded throughout the city. With regard to Leblon, the officers said they would step up inspections on Friday and over the weekend.

The Sanitary Monitoring group also reports that it will intensify inspections during the weekend and that it took part in inspections by the Municipal Public Order Secretariat (SEOP) that resulted in 2,374 fines for operating business establishments in violation of rules.

Rules for bars and restaurants:

• Organized tables with a two-meter distance between them, preferably in open spaces, such as terraces and sidewalks; Inside, the limit of 50 percent of the total number of tables must be respected;
• Self-service meal is banned;
• Live music is banned;
• The maximum opening time is until 11 PM, for both indoor and outdoor areas;
• The wearing of masks is mandatory for both customers and employees; and
• Masks may only be removed by customers when sitting at tables, and exclusively at mealtimes.

The reopenng of bars and restaurants was allowed on Thursday in accordance with Stage 3 of relaxation determined by the city hall. Gyms and individual physical activities on the beach were also allowed to begin again.

The City has relied on statistics such as a reduction in hospital bed occupancy and a decrease in the number of deaths caused by the novel coronavirus, in order to justify the decision to reopen.

On Thursday, 134 more deaths were recorded in the state, reaching a total of 10,332 fatalities. The capital accounts for the majority of deaths: 6,689.

Regulation of tables and chairs

Rio’s Municipal Treasury Department, published a resolution in this Thursday’s Municipal Gazette that provides self-report forms to be filled out by establishments that intend to use tables and chairs on sidewalks and in parking lots in the city.

“Bars, restaurants and snack bars may apply for authorization both for the use of equipment on sidewalks and for use in parking lots, and there is no requirement for the establishment to have authorization for the use of tables and chairs in its permit. This is a temporary measure,” explained Carlos Guerra, Undersecretary of Licensing, Inspection, and Urban Control.

Source: G1