Rio Surfers Hauled Out Of Water By Police Due To Coronavirus Concerns

Brazil is among the Latin American countries that recently issued stay-at-home orders to its citizens. This is to prevent the coronavirus from spreading further in the country where confirmed cases have reached 14,049 with 688 fatalities as of posting. Despite the official orders, however, many of the popular beaches in Rio de Janeiro are filled with surfers trying to catch the first big swell of the season.

Raging Public Debate

Guilherme Faria, a 22-year-old surfer whom the police apprehended for surfing Sunday, said it is unfortunate that surfing has now become a crime. Faria, who received and showed the court summons to a Reuters reporter after his booking, said, “I hope I don’t end up with a criminal record for something as silly as that.”

The government’s policy on its stay-at-home orders is the subject of a raging debate at the moment. According to reports, penalties and fines await those who are seen to be violating the order. Even with threats of a fine, however, Faria was back in the Copacabana surf with his board a few hours later.

The Call Of The Outdoors

Like many other sporty locals living in Rio de Janeiro, Faria is unable to resist the call of the outdoors. The esplanade that lines the city shore is always full of jobbers. There are also groups of bicyclists complete in their spandex attire zipping up and down the twisting mountain roads of the city.

City and state officials have urged residents to stay at home starting March 17. The order is supposed to include the closure of city parks and beaches as the COVID-19 pandemic unleashes its wrath through the third-largest city in Latin America.

A Rising Infection Rate

According to Brazil’s Health Ministry, Rio de Janeiro is the second most infected state in the country. It’s confirmed cases, as of posting time has reached 14,049. Citing the danger of the virus spreading to the beaches, some athletes found it prudent to comply. Many have also expressed their views that vital medical resources might be diverted away from the COVID-19 fight if they continue their activities, which sometimes result in sports-related injuries. A debate between pro-stay-at-home and those against is also raging in other solo sports in Brazil, from climbing to skiing.

Dr. Ana Carolina Corte, Brazilian Olympic Committee’s official doctor, said, “There are different opinions among different sports associations. New guidelines come out every week.” She opined that some sports events could still be held “alone, without crowds, without running alongside other people.”