The governor of São Paulo, João Doria, decided to extend the quarantine in São Paulo until the 22nd. The doctors and scientists recommended to him that the quarantine be extended for 15 more days.
Some experts even suggested up to 30 days - in this case, it would only end in late April. But the opinion that must prevail, at the moment, is that of another fortnight of social isolation.
The health numbers are already dramatic: 100 cities in São Paulo registered cases of COVID-19. Deaths rose 180% in one week.
The total number of victims of the disease in three months reached 275 - close to the total number of people (297) who died of influenza in the whole of 2019.
Hospitalizations of patients with confirmed disease in ICU beds exploded, from 33 to 525 - an increase of 1,500%.
"To try to contain the advance of cases, which is already filling hospitals, the State Government determined the extension of the quarantine for another 15 days throughout the State of São Paulo. Thus, the recommendation is that people stay at home," said a note from the government.
Translated by Kiratiana Freelon