Critical Alert
Brazilian authorities ease coronavirus disease-related business restrictions in several states as of Oct. 7. Travel restrictions remain.
Alert Begins 07 Oct 2020 09:51 PM UTC
Alert Expires 23 Oct 2020 11:59 PM UTC
- Incident: COVID-19 restrictions
- Location(s): Nationwide (map)
- Time Frame: Indefinite
- Impact: Transport, travel, and business disruptions
Summary
On Oct. 7, authorities in Sao Paulo, Bahia, and Minas Gerais states eased restrictions put in place to limit the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19). The new directives in these three states consist of the following:
- Sao Paulo: Beginning Oct. 9, museums and theaters will be allowed to open and social events will be permitted in the city of Sao Paulo. In addition, the region of Campinas will move to Phase 4 of the country's five-tier economic recovery plan, where all approved businesses will be permitted to open at 60-percent capacity. Currently, no region in the state is on Phase 5, the least restrictive phase. Most parts of the state of Sao Paulo remain in Phase 3, allowing retail stores, restaurants, cinemas, personal care, theme parks, and other businesses may open at 40-percent capacity. Authorities continue to urge all persons to remain at home except to perform essential tasks.
- Minas Gerais: Officials have divided the state into several regions as part of a three-tiered economic recovery plan. As of Oct. 7, the regions of Centro Sul, Norte, Jequitinhonha, and Leste are in Phase 3, the least restrictive tier. Live music shows and night clubs are permitted to operate in Belo Horizonte. Bars and restaurants are allowed to open without restrictions on closing times, as well as on weekends in Belo Horizonte and surrounding areas.
- Bahia: As of Oct. 7, several beaches have been allowed to reopen. Authorities have suspended inter-city transport between some municipalities. Public events remain canceled statewide. The most-affected locations have a nightly curfew in place. Eased business restrictions in Eunapolis allow restaurants and bars to operate at 40-percent capacity. Residents must wear protective face coverings in public settings.
Authorities in Brazil have implemented their own economic recovery plans in each of the country's 26 states and federal district. Restrictions and measures vary depending on the state. In Rio de Janeiro, for example, authorities have eased multiple business restrictions, allowing restaurants, bars, gyms, cinemas, tourist sites, religious services, and personal care businesses to operate at 50-percent capacity. Residents must wear protective face coverings in public settings. In the Metropolitan Area of Rio de Janeiro, outdoor sporting and cultural events are also allowed.
Nationwide, most nonresident foreign nationals remain prohibited from entering the country by land or water remains until at least Oct. 24. Brazilian citizens, permanent residents, foreign residents working for international organizations, foreign governments, trade or humanitarian purposes, as well as close family members of Brazilian citizens and residents, are exempt from the ban. Foreign citizens are allowed to enter Brazil by air. Before traveling to Brazil, visitors must prove they have health insurance, and their visits must not last longer than 90 days.
State and municipal officials could continue to modify their local restrictions, depending on local disease activity and government preparedness to respond to the disease. All restrictions are subject to amendment at short notice.
Background and Analysis
The measures taken by Brazilian authorities are similar to actions taken by other governments globally in response to the spread of COVID-19. COVID-19 is a viral respiratory disease caused by infection with the SARS-CoV-2 virus (previously known as 2019-nCoV). Symptoms occur 1-14 days following exposure (average of 3-7 days). These symptoms include fever, fatigue, cough, difficulty breathing, sometimes worsening to pneumonia and kidney failure - especially in those with underlying medical conditions.
Advice
Strictly heed the instructions of authorities. Abide by local health and safety measures. Confirm appointments and travel arrangements.
Emphasize basic health precautions, especially frequent handwashing with soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are unavailable. Practice good coughing/sneezing etiquette (i.e., covering coughs and sneezes with a disposable tissue, maintaining distance from others, and washing hands). There is no evidence that the influenza vaccine, antibiotics, or antiviral medications will prevent this disease, highlighting the importance of diligent basic health precautions.