The institutions of Rio, Pernambuco and Rio Grande do Sul already provide indications on the need for protection; Unesp discusses the protocol this Thursday
With the new wave of covid-19 cases, part of the universities again recommends the use of the mask indoors, including classrooms. The measure was adopted in the institutions of Rio, Pernambuco and Rio Grande do Sul. Public universities in São Paulo claim to monitor the situation. In Brazil, the positive rate for coronavirus tests has risen in recent weeks, following the emergence of new sub-variants of Ômicron.
In Rio, the Diagnostic Screening Center of the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ) published a technical note on the increase in infections, recommending the return of the use of masks indoors or in agglomerations. However, automatic suspension of face-to-face activities has not been recommended, but specific situations will be evaluated.
The rectory has established that the university community follows the recommendations issued by the CTD, how to remove employees and symptomatic students. Asymptomatic people who have had contact with someone with covid should schedule the test, with a minimum of seven days off if positive. “The Rectorate of the UFRJ reiterates the importance of booster doses of vaccination against covid-19 and the maintenance of preventive pharmacological measures: interpersonal distance, use of masks and frequent hand hygiene,” he said.
The University of the State of Rio de Janeiro (Uerj) has oriented the academic community to wear masks indoors or where it is not possible to practice the minimum distance of one meter. The events and activities with public presence remain open.
The Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro (PUC-Rio) has asked the academic community to return to wearing masks in closed or crowded environments, such as classrooms and auditoriums. People with flu symptoms should wear masks in all environments.
On Tuesday 9, the Federal University of Pernambuco (UFPE) issued a note recommending the use of a mask on and off university campuses, which are home to 19,000 undergraduate and graduate students. “Of an optional nature, the recommendation is intended to protect the university community from possible transmissions of the coronavirus,” the statement read.
The Recife campus of the Federal Institute of Pernambuco (IFPE) has released a statement, on social media, in which it asks the academic community to wear masks again. The institute has units in 16 cities in the state. The document recalls that several municipalities, especially in the metropolitan region of the capital, record an increase in cases.
The Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (Ufrgs) has maintained the recommendation to wear a mask in all spaces, “especially in environments with poor ventilation, classrooms with many students and for members of risk groups”. According to the university, the collection of evidence of vaccination continues to be valid, especially now, with the recurrence of cases of covid-19.
SP institutions evaluate the scenario
In Sao Paulo, the Unesp Covid-19 committee meets on Thursday 10, to evaluate the current epidemiological scenario of covid-19, informed the dean of the Universidade Estadual Paulista (Unesp). The use of masks in university environments was no longer mandatory on 19 September, but the presentation of the vaccination test against covid remains valid for the entire community.
Despite the release, the boards of directors of the 34 university units have autonomy to manage health issues. “As a general guideline, masks remain mandatory in health services and in places that treat patients or their biological samples directly,” she informed her.
The University of Sao Paulo (USP) reported that the commission advising the rectory is following and monitoring covid-19. Until this Wednesday, 9th, the protocols did not change which, from 23 August, made the use of the mask not mandatory in the closed environments of the University, limiting themselves to public transport and health services on the campus.
The University of Campinas (Unicamp) informs that it is attentive and monitors the new wave. “If there is sufficient justification, due to the changes in the epidemiological scenario, the measures will be announced in due course,” she said. The university strengthened the recommendation for faculty and non-faculty, students, staff and other members of the university community to be vaccinated with booster doses and to keep testing.
The Union of Educational Institutions of the State of Sao Paulo (Sieeesp) reported that up to this Wednesday 9 schools had not reported an increase in cases among students, staff and teachers. “Within the health regulations established by the state government and the Ministry of Health, each school adopts a greater or lesser rigor depending on its reality”, said President Benjamin Ribeiro da Silva. According to him, the use of a mask is optional inside the classrooms.
In São Paulo municipal schools, according to the city hall, the use of a visor is “strongly recommended”, although it is not mandatory. In the State of São Paulo, the use of masks is not compulsory in the classrooms from March.
Protection is needed in hospitals
In the public and private hospital network, the main hospitals maintain the use of the mandatory mask on their premises. Hospitals linked to the Fundação Faculdade Regional de Medicina de São José do Rio Preto (Funfarme), for example, already require the mask, as does the Hospital das Clínicas of the Faculty of Medicine of Botucatu.
In the capital, the main private hospitals follow the scenario while maintaining the measures already adopted. “The hospital has maintained the safety measures that remain in place, such as the use of masks in all environments”, informed the advisor of Sírio-Libanês.
The Municipal Department of Health (SMS) reported that the use of protective masks against covid-19 remains mandatory in health services, such as basic health units (UBS), first aid units (UPA) and hospitals. “The file continues to monitor the epidemiological scenario of the capital daily, notifications of cases, hospitalizations and deaths”, he informed.
In other areas there has not yet been any change. From 9 September, the use of the mask is no longer mandatory on public transport – buses, subways and trains – of the State. The companies and trade unions of transport operators say they are waiting for possible government measures in relation to the new protocols. The State Department of Health reported that, as of this Thursday afternoon, the guidelines have not changed.
The companies that manage airports are also awaiting indications from the National Health Surveillance Agency (Anvisa) on a possible resumption of the use of masks in terminals and inside airplanes, suspended since last August. The report has contacted Anvisa, but has not yet received a response.
The rules for museums, galleries, auditoriums and cultural events have also not changed. According to the Secretary of Culture and Creative Economy of the State of Sao Paulo, a mask is not required, as state standards have allowed it to be used, but people can wear a face shield if they wish.
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Source: Terra
Benjamin Smith is a fashion journalist and author at Gossipify, known for his coverage of the latest fashion trends and industry insights. He writes about clothing, shoes, accessories, and runway shows, providing in-depth analysis and unique perspectives. He’s respected for his ability to spot emerging designers and trends, and for providing practical fashion advice to readers.
