São Paulo to allow bars and restaurants to open until 10 pm

São Paulo Governor João Doria announced on Wednesday that bars and restaurants from cities in the so-called ‘yellow phase’ the state’s economic reopening plan will now be allowed to operate until 10 pm, instead of the previous cutoff of 5 pm.

The measure will take effect on Thursday and will mostly affect municipalities in Greater São Paulo, which have been tentatively entered into the yellow phase of the state government’s plan.

Restaurants and bars will be allowed to open for a total of six hours per day, being able to decide their own working hours. The São Paulo State Government had originally allowed bars, hair salons, and restaurants to open until 5 pm on July 6.

Yet, due to many bars and restaurants typically operating in the evening, many owners opted to not reopen, as it would be less costly to remain closed.

Mr. Doria warns that the new working hours must still follow the social distancing guidelines that require establishments to operate at a maximum 40 percent of capacity and only serve seated clients, as to limit a possible circulation of the coronavirus within the venue.

Despite state administrations nationwide attempting to kickstart the return of the economy by giving greater leeway to restaurants, bars and shops to return to action, a study by the pooling company Locomotiva Institute shows that most Brazilians are still fearful of attending these public venues.

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