Coronavirus

At least one Covid-19-related police report every minute in São Paulo

Between March 21 and April 7, the Military Police of São Paulo responded to a daily average of 1,100 complaints related to non-essential businesses that opened their doors during the state government-imposed social isolation measures to combat the Covid-19 pandemic. The figures were published by newspaper Folha de S.Paulo.

During this period, another 1,809 Covid-19-related complaints were made to the police, including arrests related to the pandemic, the sale of counterfeit hand sanitizer, or the theft of material used to fight the public health emergency. As of today, social isolation controls have been adhered to by 50 percent of the state’s population. The government’s target, however, is 70 percent.


In an interview with radio station Eldorado, São Paulo Governor João Doria stated that the tightening of social isolation rules and the use of force to keep people in their homes would be a measure of last resort. Mr. Doria also reported that municipal governments around the state are imposing fines on merchants who are opening illegally.

“As governor, I would not like to have to declare that we have to arrest people for the fact that they are gathering in public,” said João Doria.

Brenno Grillo

Brenno has worked as a journalist since 2012, specializing in coverage related to law and the justice system. He has worked for O Estado de S. Paulo, Portal Brasil, ConJur, and has experience in political campaigns.

Recent Posts

Market Roundup: The new skills corporate board members need

The specialization trend among corporate board members It is not only a matter of perception:…

2 hours ago

As elections near, what’s next for Panama’s closed copper mine?

Panama will hold its presidential elections on Sunday, months after huge protests saw thousands descend…

2 hours ago

Madonna concert to inject BRL 300 million into Rio economy

The city of Rio de Janeiro estimates that a Madonna concert this Saturday on Copacabana…

21 hours ago

Panama ready to vote as Supreme Court clears frontrunner

Latin America’s trend of banning opposition candidates from elections has caught on in an ever-growing…

21 hours ago

Sabesp privatization edges closer with São Paulo legislation

The São Paulo City Council on Thursday approved legislation authorizing Brazil’s largest city to sign…

24 hours ago

Brazil’s AI regulation gets first draft to guide upcoming debates

The preliminary report on AI regulations presented to Brazil’s Senate last week provides a middle-of-the-road…

1 day ago