Remote work not an option for millions of Brazilians

It took a while before Covid-19 became the topic of discussion in Brazil. The pandemic only really resonated with Brazilians after reports of authorities who had traveled with President Jair Bolsonaro to the U.S. two weeks ago testing positive for the novel coronavirus. So far, 22 members of the president’s entourage have confirmed infections.

Slowly, Brazilian companies began adapting to a reality in which social distancing is a must—sending their employees home to work remotely. In major urban centers, authorities began imposing restrictions on non-necessary commerce and shopping malls. 

But according to a poll released by Datafolha on Sunday, professionals who can allow themselves to work at home—or afford to stop working altogether—remain a very homogeneous demographic: they are young, better-educated … and rich.

Employees still at work

In businesses that remain open, the World Health Organization recommends strict hygiene control, with the constant cleaning and sanitization of surfaces, and instructing employees to carry out strict hand-washing routines.

However, even in companies where protective measures are being taken, workers still fear for their health. Often it is unavoidable for them to avoid closed spaces, with little fresh air, where it is difficult for them to keep their distance from colleagues.

“In the...