São Paulo government reviews quarantine; Red phase likely to continue

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – The government of São Paulo is reviewing the quarantine in the whole state this Friday, April 16th. The members of the Covid-19 Contingency Center will meet with governor João Doria (PSDB) to present the data and decide if the red phase will continue past Sunday, April 18th. Given the current pandemic figures, it is likely to be extended for at least a week.

According to data from the São Paulo state Health Department, last week a daily average of 16,453 new confirmed cases was recorded, 5% more than in the previous week. The average number of deaths increased by 13%, reaching 808 recorded every 24 hours.

On the other hand, the daily average of new hospitalizations dropped to 2,642, a 17% decline compared with the previous week. The ICU bed occupancy rate, which stood above 95% for almost a month, gradually decreased and stood at 85% on Thursday, April 15th. Another positive fact is that in the last few days there have been more hospital discharges than admissions. Nevertheless, the scenario still calls for caution.

Last Wednesday, April 14th, the government of São Paulo signaled that it could introduce some changes in regions that managed to reduce the rate of hospitalizations. But most of the state registers an ICU occupancy rate above 90%. The regions with the lowest rates are Greater São Paulo, Piracicaba and Baixada Santista – all at 83%.

“The emergency phase was created in a context to manage the pandemic throughout the state because there was a generalized worsening, with the advent of the second wave. We see that we now have that heterogeneity of regions back and we are following up on the information,” Economic Development Secretary Patricia Ellen said at a press conference on Wednesday.

The red phase prohibits the opening of any services considered non-essential (see list below). Classes can be attended, but at 35% capacity. São Paulo Championship soccer league games are also authorized.

Shopping malls and street stores are only authorized in the drive-thru, delivery, and pick-up systems. The same rules apply to restaurants and bars. Bakeries can operate under the same model as supermarkets. Parks and beaches are closed, as are religious services, which remain banned. Remote work is mandatory for all administrative activities.

Red phase rules

Only essential activities may operate, such as supermarkets, butchers, bakeries, open-air markets, pharmacies, gas stations, and petshops;

Stores and shopping malls: trade is allowed through on-site pickup, drive-thru from 5 AM to 8 PM, and delivery at the buyer’s home for 24 hours;

Beauty salons and gyms must remain closed;

Restaurants and bars: delivery is allowed for 24 hours. Drive-thru and on-site pickup are allowed from 5 AM to 8 PM. On-site consumption is prohibited;

Bakeries may operate according to supermarket rules, but on-site consumption is prohibited;

Remore work for administrative services is mandatory;

Parks and beaches are closed;

Alcoholic beverages can only be sold between 6 AM and 8 PM;

Any kind of crowding is prohibited;

Curfew is set from 8 PM to 5 AM;

Churches and temples are closed.

Source: Exame