RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – The big question about Covid-19 is when we will return to the most normal routine possible. In the forecast of the executive coordinator of São Paulo’s Covid-19 Contingency Center, João Gabbardo, by the end of September, the disease will be under control in the state.
“By the end of September, with 86% of the state’s population vaccinated, we will have pandemic control. From there, we will be able to release more activities that today do not have this possibility,” said Gabbardo in a press conference on Wednesday, 14.
The government of São Paulo intends to apply at least the first dose of a Covid-19 vaccine in all adults over 18 until August 20. After this date, the vaccination of teenagers, between 17 and 12 years old, begins.
Until this Wednesday, July 14, the state of São Paulo has already applied almost 30 million doses. More than 7.6 million people already have the complete vaccination scheme, which corresponds to 16% of the population.
“We are not close to the return to normality. It will be acquired little by little and is linked to our vaccination process. On August 20, when we have 100% of the adult population already vaccinated, it means that we will have 80% of the total population immunized because 20% are under 18 years old”, he said.
According to data from the Health Secretariat of the state of São Paulo, the number of deaths caused by Covid-19 has been dropping for a month. If compared with the peak, registered at the end of March, the drop was 60%. At that time, the daily average of lives lost was 890. Now, it is at 350.
The average number of hospitalizations also dropped. At the end of March, the state registered more than 3,300 daily requests for new ICU beds and infirmary beds. This number is now at 1,610.
QUARANTINE IN THE STATE
The current quarantine in São Paulo is valid until July 31. Establishments can open with 60% capacity and between 6 AM and 11 PM. The curfew is in effect from 11 PM to 5 AM. State and city parks can open from 6 AM to 11 PM.
There is also a recommendation to telework for administrative activities considered non-essential. All health protocols, such as the use of masks and the availability of alcohol gel, remain in place. Municipalities have the autonomy to tighten some rules.
QUARANTINE RULES VALID UNTIL JULY 31
- Commerce, shopping malls, restaurants, salons, and gyms: opening allowed from 6 AM to 11 PM, with 60% capacity
- Bars can only open as restaurants, following the same rules
Parks can open from 6 AM to 11 PM - Cultural activities (museums, galleries, and similar): from 6 am to 11 pm, with 60% capacity
- Churches and temples can open with a 60% capacity
- Schools: can open with 100% capacity, respecting safety protocols
Curfew: from 11 PM to 5 AM