28 May
The Brazilian state of Sao Paulo has decided to allow some businesses to reopen starting in June, despite a rapid increase in the number of coronavirus cases there.
The state has the largest population and economy in the country. Governor Joao Doria made an announcement about his plan on Wednesday. The plan includes allowing restaurants to resume indoor dining services. The governor cited the capability of medical facilities to treat coronavirus patients as one reason for his decision.
Brazil has reported more than 390,000 coronavirus cases so far. The country has had a daily death toll of around 1,000 for the past few days. This number is greater than that of the United States, making it the highest in the world.
The state of Sao Paulo closed non-essential businesses in mid-March and asked people to stay home. This led to many job losses.
There have been growing calls lately from poor and middle-class people to restart economic activities.
Governors of populous states, such as Sao Paulo, had stressed the need for restrictions. But Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro pushed for the economy to reopen.
Sao Paolo is still at the epicenter of Brazil's outbreak. The decision by the country's largest state to resume economic activities has received mixed reactions.
NHK
