São Paulo: masks no longer mandatory in open spaces

The São Paulo government announced this Wednesday that face masks will no longer be mandatory in public spaces. Governor João Doria confirmed the rule change during a press conference. 

The decision takes effect immediately and will be valid for outdoor spaces such as public streets, squares, and parks. According to Mr. Doria, the measure was “backed by science” and adopted due to the advance of Covid-19 vaccination in São Paulo — up to 83 percent of the state’s population had been twice vaccinated so far. 

Taking his mask off after the announcement, Mr. Doria added that anyone who wishes to continue wearing masks should do so. The state’s scientific committee backed the decision due to decreasing levels of coronavirus cases and deaths. São Paulo now joins a list of another five Brazilian states that have already lifted mandatory mask rules.

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