São Paulo Tops China’s Death Toll, Doria Could Decree Lockdown

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – Cases of coronavirus continue to spread in the state of São Paulo and may lead to stricter social isolation measures. In an interview published on Monday, Governor João Doria stated that the lockdown, the most stringent measure of isolation, can be decreed in the state should the state health committee deem necessary. “In São Paulo, medical, science, and health decisions will prevail,” he said.

The governor also said that in the event of a lockdown in São Paulo, only those who are in absolutely necessary areas, such as public safety, health, essential services, and supplies, will be allowed to move.

Doria explained that a key factor for the state to reach this decision is the exhaustion of ICU beds. “That’s everything we don’t want,” he said.

Earlier on Monday morning, May 18th, in an interview with CBN radio, the governor explained that the lockdown is constantly being analyzed, but it will not be announced overnight.

“This [lockdown] protocol exists, it’s been ready for some time, but it’s not imminent. There is no prospect of its immediate application. This protocol will only be put into practice if the state health committee so determines,” said the governor, who said the announcement will be made in advance.

“Every day the committee meets virtually at 11:30 AM to assess the lockdown in São Paulo,” added the governor, explaining that the number of ICU beds available and the isolation rate above 50 percent will determine whether there will be a hardening of the quarantine.

Doria also told the CBN that on Wednesday, May 20th, he will announce the second stage of mass testing of the population in São Paulo. “We have bought 2 million more tests, and they have already begun to be performed, prioritizing health and public safety professionals. After this stage, which should end on Wednesday, we should start the next one,” he said.

The social isolation rates remain well below the 70 percent target determined by the authorities. Over the weekend, the number of deaths by coronavirus in the state reached 4,688, topping China. If it were a country, São Paulo would be the thirteenth in terms of the death toll. The number of cases has passed 62,000, which would be enough to make São Paulo the fourteenth country, directly behind Canada and above Belgium.

The state capital alone records 2,760 deaths and over 3,000 suspected cases. On Sunday, Mayor Bruno Covas, said the city’s health care system is near collapse, with a 90 percent occupation of ICU beds and 76 percent of infirmary beds. Covas said the city’s lockdown depends on a decision by the state government since he lacks police power. Covas again said the city needs to “slow down” to slow the pace of contagion.

Failing to increase levels of social isolation, São Paulo City Hall announced on Sunday, May 17th, the end of extended vehicle rotation. Car traffic in the capital is back to normal, with restrictions according to the final number of the license plate and the day of the week.

Brazil passed Spain and Italy over the weekend and is now the fourth country with more cases of coronavirus, behind only the United States, Russia, and the United Kingdom. There are 241,080 confirmed cases and 16,118 deaths. On Monday, Pará extended the lockdown to seven more municipalities. The cities of Maranhão, Ceará and Rio de Janeiro have also decreed stricter rules for social isolation.

Source: Exame