The coordinator of the scientific committee of the São Paulo government, João Gabbardo, said that the chances of the street Carnival taking place this year are very remote. The statements were made during a press conference on Wednesday 5 at Palácio dos Bandeirantes, seat of the São Paulo government.
For Gabbardo, the increase in cases of covid-19 and flu in the capital of São Paulo and throughout the state makes the typical agglomerations of the Carnival period unfeasible.
“We cannot control the street carnival. The participation of all is free, there is no way to verify the vaccination. I think it’s unthinkable to keep Carnival in these conditions”, said the coordinator of the São Paulo committee.
Despite the position expressed by Gabbardo, the governor of São Paulo, João Doria (PSDB), reiterated that there is still no official decision regarding the realization of the street Carnival — and that it will be up to the municipalities.
“The position of the government of the State of São Paulo is the one already expressed by our doctors: this is not the time for agglomerations of this order”, stated Doria. “Therefore, the recommendation is to prevent this from happening. However, the decision rests with those who direct and command the city halls.”
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The city of São Paulo is still expected to announce a final decision on the matter today. Previously, the administration of Mayor Ricardo Nunes (MDB) had informed that it would only manifest itself on the 10th, but this announcement must be brought forward.
Earlier this week, the mayor of Rio de Janeiro, Eduardo Paes (MDB), announced the cancellation of street blocks in Rio de Janeiro this year.
“I speak here as a mayor who likes Carnival, as a citizen. Unfortunately, we can’t do street carnival in the same way as 2020,” said Paes, alongside Rio’s Health Secretary, Daniel Soranz, and Riotur’s president, Daniela Maia, broadcast on social networks.
Paes said he looked for alternatives to keep the party going, but the blocks did not accept. He suggested that the blocks be held at just three points in the city.
