São Paulo Government Orders Closure of Shopping Malls Until April 30th

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – The governor of São Paulo, João Doria, announced on Wednesday, March 18th, that all shopping malls in the capital and cities in the metropolitan region should remain closed until April 30th.

The measure does not apply to shopping malls in the interior of the state or along the São Paulo coast. The announcement is one more measure aimed at halting the advance of the coronavirus pandemic. The state reports the highest number of confirmed cases: 164 and one death.

The shopping malls will have until March 23rd to close their activities for the period. “These are precautionary measures we are taking in relation to trade. At this time, the decision is exclusive to shopping malls”. The day before, the Brazilian Shopping Malls Association (ALSHOP) announced that the stores would operate from 12 noon to 8 PM, as a measure to prevent the spread of the new coronavirus.

During a press conference, Doria also determined the closing of fitness centers, which will have until Sunday, March 22nd, to suspend operations.

The day before, the governor of Rio de Janeiro, Wilson Witzel, had recommended that shopping malls – with the exception of drugstores and supermarkets – be closed, as well as gyms.

The ALSHOP and the Brazilian Association of Shopping Malls (ABRASCE) failed to take a position immediately when asked about the state government’s decision.

Economic development secretary Patricia Ellen announced that the government should release a R$500 million credit line for the tourism, creative economy and trade sectors, including restaurants. According to the state government, these sectors are the most affected by the pandemic.

Further measures

During the press conference, the governor announced that drugstores will administer the flu vaccine, which prevents influenza viruses, free of charge as of April 13th. The influenza vaccination campaign will begin next Monday at health posts.

Up to 1,000 drugstores linked to the Brazilian Association of Drugstore and Pharmacy Networks (ABRAFARMA) will be involved in the campaign. The flu vaccine does not protect against the new coronavirus, but doctors stress that it is important for the population to be immunized against the common flu to ease the diagnosis of the new virus.

A further measure announced is the result of a partnership with phone companies. According to Doria, 15 million people will be the target of free SMS texts on recommended practices and procedures to prevent the spread of the new coronavirus.

This article was produced by The Rio Times’ automated newsroom system. How we use AI · Report an error