228%: Number of deaths from coronavirus explodes in the outskirts of São Paulo.
The number of deaths from Covid-19 in the outskirts and poor neighborhoods of São Paulo has skyrocketed. The 20 poorest districts in the city account for 1.558 deaths, out of the 5.725 deaths that occurred throughout the city, as of May 14th.
From Rede Brasil Atual - In one month, the 20 poorest districts of São Paulo's capital city registered an average increase of 228% in deaths caused by COVID-19. Among these, only Marsilac, in the far south of the city, did not have an increase of over 100% in deaths from suspected or confirmed cases of coronavirus. Another 12 districts saw an increase of over 200% in registered deaths since April 17th. The districts with the most deaths are Brasilândia, with 154, in the north zone; Capão Redondo, with 126, Grajaú, with 125, and Jardim Ângela, with 104, in the south zone; Sapopemba, with 131 deaths, and Cidade Tiradentes, with 102, in the east zone. The data is from the Municipal Health Department.
The 20 poorest districts in the city account for 1.558 deaths, out of the 5.725 deaths that occurred throughout the city, up to May 14th. Today (May 19th), there are already almost 6 deaths caused by the new coronavirus pandemic. They are also the ones with the fewest Intensive Care Unit (ICU) beds, with a maximum of eight for every 100 inhabitants. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends 30 for every 100. In the city of São Paulo, 60% of ICU beds are concentrated in three districts: Sé, Vila Mariana and Pinheiros.
Residents of Brasilândia received 100 protective masks against coronavirus infection yesterday (19). The “Masks for Brasilândia” campaign was launched by the Brasilândia Solidária Network and targets families in the region who are in extremely difficult financial conditions. The masks are being distributed to the population by the 13 Basic Health Units (UBS) in the region.
Meanwhile, the city's 20 wealthiest districts have accumulated a much lower average increase in deaths over the same period: 161%. Santana is the district with the highest number of cases: 72. An increase of 157% in 30 days. Next are Saúde (67), Vila Mariana (60), Santa Cecília (57), Campo Belo, Tatuapé and Perdizes – all with 47 deaths.
The capital of São Paulo has an ICU occupancy rate of 89%. Some hospitals, especially in the outskirts, are already at maximum capacity and are not accepting new patients. The municipal hospital network has 1.834 people hospitalized, with 495 in the ICU.
According to former Health Minister and public health physician Arthur Chioro, the situation demonstrates the consolidation of a peripheralization of COVID-19. He believes the major challenge now is to effectively isolate asymptomatic or mild cases of infected individuals, who could further amplify the pandemic. "At this moment, the lack of isolation centers for infected people living in precarious situations, where they can stay for those fourteen days, similar to what was organized in the Paraisópolis favela, for example, is glaring," he stated.
Chioro considers the decree urgent. lockdown in São Paulo, but without these isolation spaces, the measure would no longer be as effective.
"If we do not associate these measures to expand isolation – such as ollockdown – With the creation of these isolation centers for people living in precarious situations, which is the vast majority of the population of São Paulo, we will not succeed in controlling the transmission of cases. Because infected people, even with mild symptoms, return to their homes and remain transmissible for up to 14 days and have no way to isolate themselves. Economic, social, and housing situations are as determining factors as the process of... lockdown”, He stated.