RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – A new decree that relaxes the use of masks in open spaces was published in the Official Gazette of the Federal District (DODF) of this Friday (4).
The measure takes effect automatically upon publication of the decree, which does not cover closed venues. The change had already been announced by Governor Ibaneis Rocha (MDB) on social media.
The head of the local executive also informed that proof of vaccination would still be required at exhibitions and events. The provision will be calculated from next Monday (3).
Another decree establishing safety protocols such as the use of 70% alcohol and social distancing has also been published. Fines for establishments that do not comply can be up to R$20,000 (US$4,000).
Brasilia seems to live in an alternative reality.
The decree in the Brazilian capital comes at a time when much more progressive nations such as Sweden, Norway, Denmark, the UK, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Denmark, Finland, and others have abolished all or most Covid restrictions.
SUPREME COURT IS TO BLAME
If it were up to the conservative Bolsonaro government, Brazil would not have introduced mask-wearing outdoors and other nonsensical covid measures in the first place.
So why are Brazilians still forced to endure restrictions, and why aren’t they being regulated on a Brazilian-wide basis?
(Florida surgeon general Dr. Joseph Ladapo on the efficacy of masks)
The country’s Supreme Court, which is hostile to Bolsonaro’s conservative government, is responsible for regulating Covid measures at the state level.
It ruled against the government’s wishes at the beginning of the pandemic that Covid measures should not be regulated nationally but that each state could establish its own rules.
This was done to circumvent Bolsonaro’s Covid policy, which was undesired by the Justices.