Prognosis

Brazil Lifts Covid Restrictions as Cases, Deaths Finally Ease

Experts concerned Delta variant could fuel new resurgence
Sao Paulo and Rio announce wide-ranging reopening plans

Visitors ride bikes and walk along on Paulista Avenue as it reopens for pedestrian and cyclist only use in Sao Paulo, on July 18.Photographer: Patricia Monteiro/Bloomberg

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By Martha Beck, Gabriela Mestre and Marisa Wanzeller

August 3, 2021 at 2:17 PM UTC

This article is for subscribers only.

Brazilian states and cities are preparing to suspend most limitations on businesses and gatherings as Covid cases and deaths drop to the lowest in months while vaccinations pick up speed.

In Sao Paulo, many schools have reopened at full capacity for in-person classes this week, and the state will end restrictions on opening hours and capacity for most businesses starting Aug. 17. Rio de Janeiro also has plans to ease rules as of Sept. 2, including on the use of masks. The reopening will include a four-day celebration, Mayor Eduardo Paes said, adding that New Year’s festivities will be the largest in the city’s history.