São Paulo Government to Open Shopping Malls, Bars and Restaurants at Weekends

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – The São Paulo government should once again authorize the opening of shopping malls, street stores, bars and restaurants during weekends throughout the state. The revision of a more restrictive measure was scheduled to occur only on Friday, February 5th, but Governor João Doria said the announcement will be made on Wednesday, February 3rd.

According to Doria, the decision to close trade at night and over the weekends since January 25th has produced the expected result of containing the spread of Covid-19 in the state. Reopening should come into force next weekend, February 6th and 7th.

“After two consecutive weeks of a decline in the number of hospitalizations, should this scenario persist, next Wednesday we will announce measures to suspend the restrictions imposed on the opening hours of shopping malls, stores, bars and restaurants, particularly on weekends,” said the governor at a press conference on Monday, February 1st.

Despite the governor’s statement, the decline is still very modest. According to State Health Secretariat data, the daily average of new hospitalizations in ICU and ward beds across the state stood at 1,648 on January 25th. On Sunday, January 31st, this figure reached 1,537, an 8% drop. Declines and increases of up to 15% are considered as stability, according to health experts.

The ICU bed occupancy rate in the state stands at 68%. When the restriction measures were decided, this average stood at 70%.

Since January 25th, only essential services such as markets, pharmacies and gas stations are allowed to operate during the week, from 8 AM to 6 PM. On weekends, shopping malls, bars and restaurants must remain closed, as well as parks.

During business hours, local rules are in force, according to the region. Greater São Paulo, for instance, is currently in Phase 2 orange, where trade may operate at a reduced capacity of 40%. Reopening of schools in the private network is authorized as of Monday. The state network will reopen on February 8th.

Restrictions of the Red Phase | applicable for nights and weekends

– Only essential activities may operate, such as supermarkets, pharmacies and gas stations;
– Trade, shopping malls, bars and restaurants must remain closed;
– Parks remain closed.

Orange Phase Restrictions

– 40% attendance capacity for street stores, shopping malls, beauty salons and restaurants; – These establishments may open for a maximum of 8 hours daily, until 8 PM;
– Maximum capacity of 40% in gyms;
– Bars are forbidden to attend in-person – only delivery is allowed;
Parks remain open during the week.

Source: Exame Magazine