Coronavirus

Rio issues vaccine mandate for municipal servants

Rio vaccine mandate servants
Vaccination station in Rio. Photo: Carlos Magno/GERJ

Rio de Janeiro Mayor Eduardo Paes issued a decree Wednesday that requires municipal civil servants to provide proof of Covid-19 vaccination by August 31. The only allowed exceptions are for those who have an attestation from a doctor that the vaccine would be contraindicated in their case.

Servants who fail to comply will be punished with a warning, suspension, or termination with just cause — which strips workers of the right to severance indemnities.

Rio is planning to kick off its full reopening plan on September 2, with a four-day schedule of events around the city. Public outdoor events will be allowed, while stadiums, nightclubs, concert halls, and open-air parties will operate at half capacity, allowing only fully vaccinated citizens to attend.

On November 15 (Brazil’s Republic Day), masks will only be mandatory within clinical settings and on public transportation. Free movement will also be allowed, without the need for social distancing.