Paulistano is divided about wearing a mask indoors on the 1st day of release

The first day after the easing of the use of masks in closed environments in the state of São Paulo had a majority still shy or afraid to give up protection in malls, colleges, offices and commerce in general in the region of Avenida Paulista, in the capital.

On Thursday afternoon (17), Governor João Doria (PSDB) announced that the mask is no longer mandatory in the state. But the rule stipulates exceptions, such as hospitals, health services and public transport, including stations and terminals.

In one of the malls on Paulista, the report noted the passage of 183 people on an escalator between the first floor and the ground floor, for ten minutes, at lunchtime. There were 128 (70%) with a mask and 55 (30%) without the protection.

In a group of three co-workers who were strolling through the shopping center, each had an attitude towards the accessory. “I’m seeing a lot of people still wearing a mask, so I keep going,” said administrative assistant Fernanda Muniz, 21.

From the same office as Fernanda, Isabela Santos, 20, was more comfortable, with nothing in front of her face. “I took three doses of the vaccine and that’s it. Now, to take the subway, I’m going to use it for the rest of my life, even if it’s not mandatory,” she explained. “In the office, out of politeness, I put it to talk to people who are using it,” she added.

Another of the group, Caroline Almeida, 22, had her mask lowered, only over her mouth, with her nose sticking out. “I’m taking it off in a bit of a gradual way still,” she said.

At a university on Avenida Angélica, the use of the mask was almost unanimous during face-to-face classes. “Only two of our colleagues felt comfortable taking it out for now. Everyone is still a little insecure,” said psychology student Bruna Ferreira, 19, from a class of 70 students.

“Everyone used it. Not only in the living room, but in any closed room”, said Ricardo Dias, 21, a student in the graphic design course. “It looks like people got the habit too. You can’t go without indoors,” said Gilmar Lopes Borges, 24, a publicity and advertising student.

In the Conjunto Nacional, on Avenida Paulista, which is a closed environment, but with large side openings, part of the people felt more comfortable.

Four people who work at the same law firm took a walk at lunchtime and were divided on the subject, although they highlighted the fact that the pandemic is not over. “I’m more relieved, but in an environment with a lot of people, I think it’s still necessary,” said administrative assistant Francinaldo Pereira de Góes, 44.

From the same group, administrative manager Elaine Xavier, 59, also said she felt relief, but did not give up the mask this Friday. “It’s a sign that things are getting better. I’m still getting used to being without. There’s the relief that if it starts to bother you, you can take it off,” she said.

In an office building, two co-workers were already more comfortable. “We work in an environment with ten people on the entire floor”, says the lawyer, Eduarda Cristina Firmino da Silva, 29, who was not wearing a mask. “It’s half and half. Half with, half without,” she said.

“It’s pretty cool, because there’s still a distance,” said Natasha Kazam, 23, a law graduate.

In bank branches in the region, the use of masks was predominant, even in the area closest to the street, where the ATMs are located. According to the advisors, it was difficult to find someone without the accessory throughout the morning and early afternoon.

In public transport, where use is still mandatory, the scenario is even more fearful and respect for the rules. Before lunchtime, on a quick trip on Metro line 2-green, no passengers were found without a mask.