Rio de Janeiro reopens bars, concert halls despite vaccine shortage and record cases

One day after the state of Rio de Janeiro registered a record 9,185 Covid-19 cases in 24 hours — and with vaccines on hold due to lack of shots, mayor of the state capital Eduardo Paes decided to reopen bars, restaurants, and even concert halls until May 20.

Beaches, parks, and waterfalls will now be open to the public throughout the week. Bars and restaurants may open until 11 pm — with live music permitted — and concert halls can operate at 40 percent capacity. 

In Mr. Paes’ perspective, the city of Rio de Janeiro is in a “better moment” of the pandemic, which makes the reopening possible. He claims the recent daily case record was a result of a backlog in reporting. However, he warned that if people disrespect the rules, tougher measures could return.

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