Coronavirus

São Paulo rolls back (some) quarantine restrictions

restrictions Trianon Park in São Paulo. Photo: Roberto Parizotti/FotosPublicas
Trianon Park in São Paulo. Photo: Roberto Parizotti/FotosPublicas

After nearly one month under the so-called “emergency phase” of its reopening plan, the state of São Paulo will lift some restrictions as of Monday. 

During the emergency phase, all non-essential businesses had to remain closed — and even essential services operated at reduced capacity. Now, Governor João Doria is moving the state back toward the “red phase,” of the reopening plan. A ban on in-person worship and an 8 pm-5 am curfew remain in place, but schools will reopen and sporting events may take place.

The rollback comes despite São Paulo recording high numbers of new coronavirus infections and deaths — on Tuesday, it posted an all-time record daily death total of 1,389. Over 80,000 people have died in São Paulo since the beginning of the pandemic.

On Thursday, the state said intensive care occupancy rates sat at the “critical” level of 88 percent.

The red phase will be enforced for a week, at which point authorities will reassess restrictions.