Warning: Low Isolation Rate in São Paulo Will Lead to “Tremendous Difficulties”

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – The isolation rate in São Paulo was again under 50 percent last Monday, May 4th. According to data released by the State Health Secretariat, the state recorded 47 percent isolation, a figure lower than the minimum required to tackle the coronavirus.

In the capital, isolation rate stood at 48 percent.

“It is not possible to work with such a number. The minimum of 50 percent is consistently not being reached. We need to improve this every day. We will face tremendous difficulties within a month if this number does not exceed 50 percent,” alerted David Uip, head of the Coronavirus Contingency Center, at a press conference on Tuesday, May 5th.

On Tuesday, Governor João Doria said that cities with isolation rates under 50 percent would be “automatically excluded” from the measures to relax quarantine, which are scheduled to begin on May 11th.

The government’s worry is that the health care system may collapse and not be able to care for all patients, particularly the most severe cases. In Greater São Paulo the occupation rate of ICU beds stands at 86.9 percent, and at 68.9 percent throughout the state. In total, 8,905 patients with confirmed or suspected Covid-19 are hospitalized. Of these, 3,457 are in ICUs and 5,448 in wards.

“This proves to us that we still need more beds. We will deliver 1,800 new beds and we will do that as soon as it is necessary and all supplies will be here, particularly the new ventilators,” said Jose Henrique Germann, Health Secretary.

Pandemic in São Paulo

The government has updated the pandemic figures in the state. There are now 34,053 people with Covid-19 in São Paulo and 2,851 deaths. Brazil records 105,222 infections and 7,228 deaths, according to data from the Ministry of Health.

In an attempt to increase the isolation rate, São Paulo’s municipal government has been carrying out highway blockades at four points in the city since Monday.

That same day the mandatory use of masks on buses, trains, and the subway also became effective. Anyone failing to wear the safety equipment can be fined or even arrested.

Source: Exame