São Paulo makes use of masks more flexible on December 11

Governor João Doria announced the flexibilization of the use of masks in open environments as of December 11 in the state of São Paulo. The measure was attributed to the drop in the number of cases and deaths as a result of Covid-19.

“However, the use of masks will continue to be mandatory in internal areas, at stations and for public transport centers in the state of São Paulo. Even at stations, even if outdoors, the use of masks will continue to be mandatory.” said the governor, at a press conference at Palácio dos Bandeirantes this Wednesday (24).

Earlier this month, the state administration had already said that it intended to make the use of the accessory more flexible on December 1st. At the time, the government had determined that, in order to have the removal, it would be necessary to reach 75% of the vaccinated population, less 1,100 new cases registered per day and hospitalizations should be below 300 daily. Deaths could not be greater than 50.

“This does not mean that people have to take off their masks,” said Paulo Menezes, coordinator of the Scientific Committee. “I would recommend that if there is very close contact with people who don’t know each other, it might be interesting, as there is this flexibility, that people maintain this protection.”

According to the state government, São Paulo should reach by this Thursday (25), 75% of the population of São Paulo with the complete vaccination cycle and by November 30, the expectation is that it will surpass the mark of 80% of the population completely immunized. This Tuesday (23), 1,524 new cases of the disease and 94 deaths were registered.

The state follows the trend of other places like the city of Rio de Janeiro, where masks are no longer mandatory since mid-October. Personal protection accessory is also no longer mandatory in open and uncrowded places after the city hall publishes a decree and the state government regulates the measure.​

Governor Cláudio Castro had defined that municipalities that have vaccinated 65% of their total population and 75% of their population over 12 years of age would have autonomy to decide whether to withdraw the obligation or not.

Last week, Doria announced that people over 18 could receive a booster dose of Covid vaccine. At the time, the governor declared that the new injection could be applied five months after the completion of the basic cycle, bringing it forward by one month.

The announcement came a day after Health Minister Marcelo Queiroga announced the reinforcement for all adults in the country.

The City of São Paulo also announced the administration of booster doses, which are already being applied. The capital follows the recommendation of the state, and people over 18 who have completed the basic cycle for five months can receive the booster of immunizing against Covid.