Restrictions against Covid come to an end in SP this Monday, with a return of ballads, parties and concerts

After 588 days, the restrictions of the pandemic in the state of São Paulo come to an end. From this Monday (1st), all establishments can operate with maximum capacity, with no time limit or space determination.

Parties, ballads, concerts, events with fans are authorized without any restriction from the date. Some of these activities were already taking place in the state, but they still had to follow rules, such as keeping the public seated and not meeting full capacity.

Now the only mandatory regulations in the state are the use of a mask and the requirement of a vaccine passport at events with more than 500 people. Detachment is no longer a rule and becomes just a recommendation by state authorities.

It is the first time since March 22, 2020, when Governor João Doria (PSDB) decreed a quarantine in the state to contain the spread of Covid, that commercial establishments of all types will be able to operate without limitations.

The releases made after this second date are seen as the end of the São Paulo Plan, which was established to coordinate the flexibility of economic activities in the state.

In August, when it announced the end of restrictions for November, the government was working with the expectation of reaching that date with 90% of the state population vaccinated with two doses (or a single dose).

Even though the goal was not reached, the release was maintained. São Paulo is the Brazilian state in which vaccination coverage is more advanced, with 87% of the adult population already having the full Covid vaccine scheme. In relation to the entire population, 67.5% received both doses.

With the advance of vaccination, São Paulo saw Covid’s indicators drop significantly in recent months. This Saturday (30), the state registered less than half of people hospitalized than a year ago.

On October 30, 2020, São Paulo had 6,949 patients in beds reserved for Covid, being 2,883 in the ICU and 4,066 in the ward. This Saturday, there were 3,400 hospitalized with the virus, 1,069 in the ICU and 1,791 in the ward.

Although vaccination is advanced and cases of the disease are falling, experts say that care is needed for now. Indoor parties and concerts are considered to be at high risk for infection.

Since August, these establishments were already free to go back into operation, but serving only a portion of the total capacity and only with the public seated — the dance floor was prohibited. The government says that these spaces may require a vaccination passport from visitors.

The proof requirement has already been adopted in the state’s stadiums and sporting events, which can now also function at full capacity.

The release of all distancing rules was also followed in the capital of São Paulo. On Thursday (28), Mayor Ricardo Nunes (MDB) revoked all restrictions on occupation, opening hours and minimum distance between people in public and private establishments in the city of São Paulo.

The revocation only materialized measures that had already fallen under the guidance of the state government. Commerce, for example, was already operating without time and capacity restrictions since the beginning of September. The schools are also already free to receive 100% of the students, without having to guarantee a distance of one meter between them.

Both the state and municipal administration defend that releases are safe as long as the population maintains the use of masks. The mandatory face protection, however, has already been abandoned in other capitals, such as Rio de Janeiro and the Federal District.

In addition to the mask, the government and city hall defend the mandatory presentation of proof of vaccination at events with more than 500 people. In some public places in the city, such as the City Council and the Court of Justice forums, a vaccination passport is mandatory for everyone.

In São Paulo, since September 1st, the decree that requires the presentation of proof of vaccination against Covid in events with an audience of more than 500 people became effective. Nightclubs and event spaces consulted by sheet are demanding a passport for their regulars.