Rio de Janeiro state plans to resume tourism safely

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – Rio de Janeiro Governor Claudio Castro yesterday, August 3, met with the federal Ministers of Health Marcelo Queiroga, and Tourism Gilson Machado Neto to discuss vaccination against Covid-19 and the resumption of tourism in the state of Rio de Janeiro.

Queiroga pointed out that the state is strictly complying with the National Vaccination Plan (PNI).

“Fortunately we are in a more positive scenario, but we cannot fail to take all precautions. We are working to fast-track our immunization campaign and the expansion of our testing capacity. In addition, the governor has already requested extra vaccine doses for the state,” he said.

The governor and the Health Minister also discussed the importance of the population completing the vaccination cycle. “The second dose is crucial for everyone’s health. We will not be immune with only one dose, science has already shown us that. We count on everyone to help our state get back on its feet. Vaccinate yourselves,” the governor urged.

Minister of Tourism Gilson Machado Neto said that the state is one of the gateways to Latin America for national and international tourism. “We are working together to promote safe tourism for everyone who comes to the state of Rio de Janeiro. The situation is now under control and we continue working preventively so that the situation improves further,” the Minister said.

Data from the State Department of Tourism show that there was an increase in demand for the state’s interior regions this winter, rising from 30% in June to 60.4% in July. “Tourism is essential to our state and we are working for a safe and responsible resumption, so that everyone who comes to visit Rio de Janeiro will feel safe,” Castro said.