Mayor Eduardo Paes (PSD) canceled this Tuesday (4) the street Carnival in Rio de Janeiro due to the increase in infections by the new coronavirus, probably driven by the omicron variant. The show at Sapucaí, however, remains confirmed so far. The decision was informed by Paes and the municipal secretary of Health, Daniel Soranz, in a meeting with representatives from around 450 blocks in the city, who agreed with the measure, and later announced in a broadcast on social networks. In total, 506 street groups signed up this year.
"The street carnival, due to its very nature and the democratic aspect it has, makes it impossible to exercise any type of inspection," said Paes in the broadcast. The parade at Sapucaí is maintained, according to him, because there it will be possible to have a "series of controls," which will still be announced.
Translated by Kiratiana Freelon