São Paulo to Fine People Without Masks R$500 and Businesses R$5,000

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – Inspection will be conducted by the state and municipal health surveillance bodies. A decree will be published in the state’s Official Gazette to clarify the matter. Governor João Doria declared that the amount raised with the fines will be donated to the ‘Alimento Solidário’ (Solidarity Food) program, which distributes meals to needy people.

“The goal is not punishment, but rather guidance, to alert people to the significance of protecting life. There is no purpose in collection. We are close to reaching 100 percent occupancy in the state. The rate in the capital stands at 97 percent, but there are still people who do not wear masks. The state records 93 percent,” he said.

A campaign for the population to wear masks will also be relaunched. São Paulo has set up a number to receive denunciations: 0800-771 3541.

The governor said he estimates that the need to use the protective equipment will be extended, until such time as a vaccine is available and administered to the population.

This is not the first time the São Paulo government has determined measures involving the use of masks. On May 5th, a decree established the use of masks for an indeterminate period of time and that it would be a violation of a health measure and a crime of disobedience not to comply with the guidelines.

Failure to comply would result in a fine ranging from R$276 to R$276,000, or even a penalty of one to four years’ imprisonment.

Maria Cristina Megid, director of the state Health Regulatory Agency, said an educational inspection has been conducted since May 4th. She said she will now work with the 28 regional groups and the Health Monitoring agencies of the 645 municipalities in São Paulo to monitor the use of masks in all establishments under this new guideline.

“It can be any place from an office to a shopping mall, if the determination is not complied with, we will enter a more forceful stage of compulsory enforcement followed by a fine.”

Maria Cristina added that entrepreneurs will be able to argue their case and, at the end of the proceedings, it will be decided whether or not to impose the fine. The governor stressed that should there be cases of refusal to wear masks, despite the approach of health monitoring officials, the municipal guard of each city or the State Police may be called in.

The state government reported that in bars and restaurants, common sense must prevail. Masks should be worn at times when the customer is not eating or drinking.

The Contingency Center’s Executive Secretary, João Gabbardo, stressed that the mask must be worn correctly. He said it is an effective protection, but for it to work it cannot be placed on the neck.

“People often go out wearing the mask, but they don’t wear it properly. The mask, to have [the] expected result, must protect the mouth and nose.”