Brazil: Authorities in three states tighten coronavirus-related restrictions amid increasing disease activity as of Jan. 25 /update 26

Event

Authorities in three Brazilian states have tightened local coronavirus disease (COVID-19) restrictions as of Jan. 25 in response to increased disease activity. In Sao Paulo, the towns of Franca, Presidente Prudente, Barretos, Bauru, Sorocaba, and Taubate are now under the state's most restrictive measures. In Amazonas, a 1900-0600 curfew has been extended until at least Jan. 31. In Mato Grosso do Sul, authorities extended a statewide 2200-0500 curfew until Feb. 9.

Local authorities manage their own economic recovery plans in each of the country's 26 states and the federal district. Some cities are also empowered to enforce their actions. Restrictions and measures vary by jurisdiction. Commercial activity has largely resumed in most parts of the country, albeit subject to operating protocols and capacity limits. The use of facemasks is also required in various areas. Rio de Janeiro is already in an advanced recovery stage, allowing restaurants, bars, gyms, cinemas, tourist sites, religious services, and personal care businesses to operate. Some states that are still implementing recovery plans are:

Sao Paulo: The state utilizes an economic recovery plan consisting of five tiers, with Phase 1 involving the most restrictive measures and Phase 5, the least. As of Jan. 25, most of the state is in Phase 2; no region is under Phase 5. Marilia, Franca, Presidente Prudente, Barretos, Bauru, Sorocaba, and Taubate are currently in Phase 1. Businesses and entertainment establishments may operate up to 12 hours at maximum 60-percent occupancy in locations under Phase 4 and up to eight hours at 40-percent capacity in jurisdictions under Phase 3. Cultural activities, conventions, and social or business events remain permitted in Phase 4. Authorities continue to urge all persons to remain at home except to perform essential tasks, and large group events are banned.
Minas Gerais: Authorities are following a three-tiered economic recovery plan. As of Jan. 25, the macro-region of Triangulo do Sul is in the least restrictive Green Phase of recovery. Norte, Noroeste, and Triangulo do Norte are in the Yellow Phase of recovery, which places additional restrictions on some activities and establishments, including fairs, schools, cinemas, and parks. Oeste, Centro, Jequitinhonha, Leste, Leste do Sul, Nordeste, Vale do Aco, Sudeste, Centro Sul, and Sul are in the Red Phase of recovery, the most restrictive, in which authorities allow only essential businesses to operate. Belo Horizonte remains in a phase of "total lockdown." Under the current directives in Belo Horizonte, only essential businesses such as grocery stores and pharmacies are permitted to operate. Bars and restaurants may only open for take-out and delivery services.
Parana: Officials maintain a statewide 2300-0500 nightly curfew until at least Jan. 31.
Amazonas: In addition to the newly imposed 1900-0600 nightly curfew, only essential businesses such as grocery stores and pharmacies are permitted to operate.

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.

Travel Restrictions
All flights originating in or transiting through the UK remain banned until further notice. Officials stated that the measure is due to the spread of a variant strain of COVID-19 detected in the UK. In addition, travelers who have transited the UK in the previous 14 days will be denied entry into Brazil.

All travelers entering Brazil by air must present a negative real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction test (RT-PCR) taken 72 hours before travel and must complete a pre-arrival health form.

Nonresident foreign nationals remain prohibited from entering the country by land and water, except as specified otherwise. Brazilian citizens, permanent residents, and their immediate family members, as well as foreign residents working for international organizations or foreign governments, or who are traveling for trade or humanitarian purposes, are exempt from the ban.

Apart from the overarching land border closures and as part of a joint agreement, the land border crossings with Paraguay - specifically at Foz do Iguacu, Ponta Pora, and Mundo Novo - are open. Foreign citizens are allowed to enter Brazil by air for visits of no longer than 90 days.

All restrictions are subject to amendment at short notice.

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.