Isabel

My name is Isabel and I currently live in Parque Delfim Verde, in Itapecerica da Serra, Brazil. I previously worked in the health field in education, I was unemployed due to COVID. Because of this I’ve had to reinvent myself to find new work in order to provide for my family. I had to isolate for some time because of my health conditions like hypertension and obesity, I am predisposed to the virus. I am still going to school studying but I currently have a doctorate from the University of São Paulo and my son is nearly done with high school. Both of us perform out studies at home with a notebook. Precautions I have had to implement was stopping the use of transportation by using my own car; in times where I’ve been required to take a plane or bus I wore my mask with a PFF2 filter, but it was quite stressful. Lots of people still use cars normally but when traveling in public transport it takes extra care and has a great deal of regulations and controls to monitor it.

Some people here adhere to the rules by wearing their masks and social distancing but some people do not respect any of the new health and safety regulations. My neighbors constantly throw parties during the pandemic, where their guests are unmasked and not socially distant. The courts in Brazil have put the responsibility for safety measures up to state and municipal. The test that are available are not the best quality within the municipal health system. I believe a lot has changed and will continue to change, but not necessarily permanently.