Covid-19: Even with 71% vaccinated, Rio de Janeiro extends restrictions due to high transmission risk

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – With a high risk of transmission, occupancy rates of intensive care beds above 90%, and classification as an epicenter of the spread of variant Delta, the city of Rio de Janeiro extended until August 30 the restrictive measures in the city, preventing the operation of nightclubs, dance floors and events with agglomeration remain prohibited.

Cultural events such as concerts and samba groups can only be attended sitting down.

“At the moment, we are experiencing an increase in Covid cases. Never before, in 2021, were there so many people with Covid-19 in the city of Rio de Janeiro as at this moment. This is important data, and all of us who live here understand this. Close people, family members, friends. Personally, I have never seen so many people with Covid around me as at this moment,” said Mayor Eduardo Paes.

Vaccination in Rio de Janeiro’s capital reached 71.8% of partially or fully vaccinated residents on Friday morning (20). If we consider only the target population of adults over 18 years, the rate rises to 91.8%. There are 4.7 million people vaccinated with the first dose, 2.1 million people vaccinated with the second dose, and 137,500 people vaccinated with a single dose.

ICELAND IS CHANGING ITS STRATEGY

Rio de Janeiro has a similar experience to Iceland, one of the most vaccinated countries globally, with 71.3% of people fully vaccinated. The country has also managed to simultaneously boost its economy and have one of the lowest mortality rates in the world.

Despite this success, a record number of infected people have been diagnosed in recent weeks, even though most of the population is vaccinated.

Thorolfur Guðnason, the Icelandic epidemiologist, said it was disappointing that vaccination had not achieved herd immunity. There was only one other way to achieve herd immunity to allow the virus to spread in the community.

The Icelandic specialists said that the goal could not be any longer to eradicate the virus from the community but that the nation must now try to achieve herd immunity to the coronavirus by allowing it to spread further but trying to prevent severe disease by protecting vulnerable groups.

UPDATED MEASURES IN RIO DE JANEIRO

To curb the number of deaths from the disease (there have been 31,276 deaths from Covid-19 in the capital), measures such as the mandatory use of masks remain in force. Below are the measures stipulated by the latest decree:

Nightclubs, dance clubs, and dance halls – These are still prohibited, as are parties with ticket sales in public and private spaces;

Bars, snack bars, restaurants, and kiosks – Only seated customers are allowed, with a minimum distance of 1.5 meters;

Tables and chairs are limited to eight people – Live music is permitted;

Showhouses, concerts, and presentations – Allowed, with a minimum distance of 1.5 meters between participants;

Maximum capacity is 40% in enclosed venues, 60% in open venues, with seated audience only;