Brazil: Shops close in Rio after virus restrictions

The economic devastation caused by the coronavirus has forced many businesses in the Brazilian city of Rio de Janeiro to close, and those living there are no longer able to participate in the traditional, everyday pleasures they used to enjoy before the pandemic.

Such things as buying a costume for carnival, having a coffee or purchasing cigars have become that little bit more difficult for Brazilians living in Rio.

Many shops suffered a catastrophic loss of business after being forced to close as part of virus lockdown measures, and some were unable to reopen at all.

Deborah Simao ran a perfume shop, which was forced to close, leaving Simao and three other people without jobs.

"We could not continue and give the store back to the owner," she said.

Not only did she lose her business, but her father also died due to complications caused by COVID-19.

Officials from organisations which represent local businesses' interests said the shift to working from home has also affected the livelihoods of those who own retail outlets and restaurants.

There are simply not as many people milling around shops and cafes spending money.

"Not just businesses but restaurants are feeling the absence of those people," said Eduardo Bloomberg, president of the Saara business association.

Hotels and clothes retailers are also affected.

According to the SINDRIO, Rio's Bars and Restaurants union, less than 30 percent of firms in Rio's state were capable of adapting their business models.

The lack of access to credit and lack of support from the government, especially for small and medium companies, left entrepreneurs in a precarious condition.

The Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE) reported that 70 percent of companies in Brazil said the pandemic had a negative impact in their business.

Firms in the service industry were most affected, followed by factories, construction and commerce.

As of Tuesday Brazil recorded 87,618 deaths from the coronavirus and 2,442,375 cases overall, according to John Hopkins University.