Oxford index: 29 countries with higher vaccination rates than Brazil have more restrictive policies

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – The Oxford stringency index that assesses policies implemented in the pandemic, indicates that Brazil currently ranks 79th out of 182 countries in the world in terms of restrictive measures. It scores 50.4 on an indicator ranging from 0 (no restrictions) to 100 (maximum closure and policies to fight the pandemic).

In all, there are 29 nations with higher full vaccination rates than Brazil registering a higher indicator. In other words, there are 29 nations that have both a larger portion of the population vaccinated than Brazil and more stringent pandemic containment measures in force.

This includes countries like the United States, Canada, France, and Germany that, despite having recently lifted some restrictions, still have others in place, such as requiring “vaccine passports,” reducing travel, and banning flights from a number of countries.

The index measuring restrictive policies comprises 9 indicators, each contributing different values to the calculation. Thus, even countries that no longer require the use of masks outdoors may register a higher score of restrictions compared to Brazil.

SOME OF THE RESTRICTIONS IN COUNTRIES WITH A HIGHER INDEX THAN BRAZIL:

Italy (restriction index 69) – blocks access to tourists from outside Europe, with some exceptions. Brazilians may only enter with a travel justification for “essential” reasons. After entry, they are required to present a negative test 48 hours after arrival, another test 72 hours later, and a 14-day quarantine before a 3rd test;

France (66.7) – requires a health pass in places with more than 50 people, bars and restaurants. Mask use is not required in these places. There are also a number of restrictions on entering the country;

Germany (56.5) – each state has its own rules, but throughout the country vaccination certificates are required to enter bars and restaurants. Ban on entry of tourists from a number of countries, with exceptions.

Brazil’s health policies have returned to the level of restrictions in place in the 1st week of the pandemic. The current score (50.4) is the lowest since March 17, 2020.

The strictest restrictions on circulation were enforced in May and July 2020, when the index reached 80. However, the worst moment of the pandemic was March 2021, when over 80,000 people died, more than double the deaths registered in May (31,000) and July (29,000) 2020.

THE 9 INDICATORS MEASURED IN OXFORD UNIVERSITY’S INDEX:

School closures – checks if there is a recommendation or mandatory closure for some or all schools;
Work environment – if there is a recommendation or requirement for home office and if general or partial;
Cancellation of public events – if there are restrictions and the maximum number of people allowed at meetings;
Meeting restrictions – if there are any and the limit of people;
Closure of public transportation – if there is a fleet reduction or modal closures;
“stay-at-home” – if there is a recommendation to stay home or a lockdown;
Restrictions on travel within the country – if there are recommendations or restrictions
International travel controls – if there is testing, quarantine, ban of arrivals from some countries, or closed borders;
Vaccination policy – which groups can get vaccinated in the country.