Crowds Throng São Paulo’s Coastal Beach Towns Despite Restrictions

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – A crowd filled the beaches of Santos, on the São Paulo coast, enjoying the sunny Sunday. The flexibilization of beaches in the region and the forecast for sun attracted thousands of tourists to the coast, who crowded highways that access the Baixada Santista metropolitan area for two consecutive days amid the novel coronavirus pandemic.

The sun shone in the region and temperatures reached 31°C, attracting residents and tourists to the cities’ beaches. Crowds all along the coast and several residents with no masks crowded on the sand strip.

The population was seen without the mandatory protection and disrespecting the social distancing measures, as recommended by health authorities in the fight against the novel coronavirus pandemic (Covid-19).

The greater flexibility of beaches motivated tourists to visit the beach towns near Santos. According to Ecovias, the concessionaire that manages the Anchieta-Imigrantes System, over 190,000 vehicles crossed the system towards the cities in Baixada Santista.

In all Baixada Santista cities, the beaches are open to the practice of individual sports, as well as swimming and water sports. The only city that allows the use of sunbeds and parasols is Peruíbe.

In a note, the Santos City Hall reports that the Municipal Guard recorded above-normal traffic on the beachfront on Sunday. The tourists who visited Santos because of the good weather, who were unaware of the city’s health regulations, relied on the guidance and support of the guards.

According to the Municipal Guard, there was no record of any issues in the approaches. The corporation reported that in all there were approximately 922 indications of misuse of the sand strip, 742 on the wearing of masks, and five fines.

São Vicente

Crowding was also recorded in São Vicente, Milionários Beach, and Itararé. Hundreds of beachgoers crowded and disrespected the rules established by the municipality. Groups of dozens of people gathered all along the shore were detected.

In a note, the São Vicente City Hall, through the Department of Trade, Industry and Port Business (SECINP), reported that last Tuesday, August 25th, in a meeting with representatives of the State Police and Municipal Civil Guard (GCM) it was decided that the actions of the Task Force in the Municipality will continue.

Inspection is ongoing with agents advising the population on the prohibition of the use of parasols, bicycles, and sun lounges on the sand. The city’s decree allows vendors to work on the sand and the beach boardwalk. However, vendors are instructed not to set up parasols and sun lounges on the sand as a measure to prevent crowds.

Praia Grande and Mongaguá

The city of Praia Grande also recorded crowding on the beach on Sunday. Hundreds of beachgoers crowded the city’s sandy beach, which allows the practice of individual sports, in addition to beach tennis and artisanal fishing. However, masks and a minimum distance of four meters are still required, which was not observed by bathers.

In addition to the crowds, dozens of sunbathers were spotted on the sand, which is still banned in the city. Several groups gathered and some were not wearing masks.

In a note, the Praia Grande City Hall insists that the use of sun lounges, parasols, and food and drink consumption, which will lengthen the stay on the beach strip, are prohibited. It reiterates that such measures are intended to preserve people’s health during the pandemic.

The municipal administration also stated that there is no fine but rather guidance to the population. The city hall regrets that inspection and guidance are not being respected, and is considering new ways to step up surveillance while alerting the population that the virus is still circulating and claiming victims.

The city of Mongaguá has also registered crowding near the fishing platform. The boardwalk was crowded and several beachgoers were spotted with no masks, also a mandatory item in the municipality.

Covid-19

According to the reports released by the city halls on Saturday, August 29th, the Baixada Santista metropolitan area totals 48,911 confirmed Covid-19 cases and 1,769 deaths. There are also 2,452 suspected cases and 70 deaths under investigation; 37,429 patients are shown as having recovered.

Source: G1