Covid-19: São Paulo governor reassesses mask use after positive cases of Omicron

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – The two confirmed cases of infection by the Omicron, the new variant of the Sars-Cov-2 coronavirus, may delay the pandemic flexibility calendar in São Paulo.

A couple that came from South Africa tested positive for the new strain before boarding a return flight to the African country at Guarulhos airport (Greater SP). They are isolated and monitored by health teams in São Paulo.

With this new scenario, the pledge to relax mask use is now compromised. The measure will now be reassessed after governor João Doria called for a consultation on the issue with the São Paulo government’s Scientific Committee, responsible for creating and reviewing the procedures that need to be adopted to reduce coronavirus infections and deaths.

In a recent press conference, Doria announced the end of the mandatory mask use in open spaces, despite not having reached the set targets in reducing the pandemic indicators.

The mask covering nose and mouth would remain mandatory only in enclosed environments and in public transportation in general. “Our parameter has always been the epidemiological scenario in São Paulo. And, therefore, we need to understand the impact of the new variant with the easing of mask use in open spaces,” Doria said.

“Caution is needed and we must assess this new factor. Our commitment is with the health of the population,” the governor added on Tuesday.

According to the São Paulo government, the committee, comprising infectologists and public health specialists, will have an opinion ready next week, after the group’s meeting.

Currently, the state of São Paulo has 75.8% of its population fully vaccinated, with one (Janssen) dose or two doses (other available immunizers) administered.