Crowded streets mark the reopening of stores in São Paulo

Stores began reopening in São Paulo today, as part of the state’s process to bring its economy back to normal. In the popular shopping district of Brás, in São Paulo’s city center, streets were busy and many people were clearly not observing social distancing. The region was as crowded as it gets in the weeks leading up to Christmas — only the addition of protective masks would remind one that we are still living in the midst of the worst pandemic in a century.

Shopping malls can now legally operate between 6-10 am — or 4-8 pm — at 20 percent of full capacity. Cinemas, beauty salons, and gyms, along with food courts remain closed.

While the city of São Paulo has observed a gradual decrease in the number of daily new coronavirus deaths and cases, the 38 municipalities in the Greater São Paulo Area are still recording rising numbers of cases and deaths. Despite this, Governor João Doria has allowed mayors of the entire region to greenlight the reopening of car dealerships, real estate companies, street vendors, offices, and shopping malls.

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