São Paulo removes mandatory masks on public transport

As of this Friday (3), the use of protective masks in public transport in São Paulo is no longer mandatory. The measure will be published in tomorrow’s edition of the Official Gazette and, with that, it will no longer be necessary to wear a mask on the subway, trains and buses that circulate throughout the state. Despite this, experts advise using protection in closed environments and clusters to avoid covid-19 and other diseases. According to the São Paulo government, even though it is no longer mandatory, the recommendation is that people over the age of 65 or with some immunodeficiency, comorbidity or respiratory symptoms continue to wear masks in public transport and in other places. The measure was announced shortly after the carnival, which brought together millions of people on the streets of São Paulo. According to the Scientific Committee of São Paulo, no impact of carnival parties on the state’s health system was observed. “We recognize the importance of masks and their effectiveness, especially in the transmission of respiratory diseases. However, in view of the data presented by the committee, it is safe, at this time, to remove the equipment without harming health services”, said, in a note, the state secretary of Health, Eleuses Paiva. The mandatory use of a mask on public transport in São Paulo was adopted at the beginning of the covid-19 pandemic, in April 2020. In September of last year, with the advancement of vaccination against the disease and the improvement of indicators, the use wearing a mask is no longer mandatory. However, with a further advance of the disease, protection was required again in November last year, and the measure was in operation until today. Yesterday (1st), the National Health Surveillance Agency (Anvisa) had released the use of masks in ports and airports throughout Brazil. According to Anvisa, the measure stems from the improvement in indicators related to the pandemic, with a reduction in the number of cases and deaths caused by the disease. Anvisa stressed, however, that the use of equipment is still recommended for more vulnerable groups and people with respiratory symptoms. From now on, the use of a mask will only remain mandatory in the state of São Paulo in hospitals and other health services, whether public, private or philanthropic.

Agência Brasil