Brazil's Sao Paulo state government announced only essential services are allowed to open between December 25 and 27 and between January 1 and 3, amid rising coronavirus cases.
Restaurants and shopping malls will be required to stay closed during those six days, Sao Paulo state secretary Patricia Ellen said in a press conference on Tuesday.
The government is considering extending the restrictions in some cities to include Dec. 31, Ellen said, after infection rates rose by 54% in the past for weeks.
(Reporting by Sabrina Valle; Editing by Chizu Nomiyama)
