Coronavirus

São Paulo ends restrictions for businesses

São Paulo ends quarantine restrictions for businesses
Photo: Alf Ribeiro/Shutterstock

As part of its “safe return” plan, the state government of São Paulo lifted all restrictions on non-essential businesses. Bars, restaurants, shopping malls, and stores are allowed to work at full capacity, and with no time limitations. Businesses will still be mandated to follow all sanitary protocols, enforce social distancing and mask use, and avoid overcrowding.

Corporate fairs and museum exhibitions can also take place, as long as all safety and hygiene protocols are followed. Event venues can reopen, but tables must be far apart and parties are not allowed to have dance floors yet. On the other hand, nightclubs and sporting events with attendance still face restrictions.

Experts criticized the move, saying it is too soon to end restrictions. While 67 percent of adults in the state have received at least one dose, only 30 percent are fully immunized. They thus remain exposed to the highly contagious Delta variant — which is on the rise in São Paulo.