Facemasks no longer need to be worn while using public transport. the mask mandate was lifted earlier this week after the judge ruled that the centers for disease control had overstepped its legal authority when it introduced the rule 1a months ago. after a two year wait, brazil is getting ready to party, as the world famous carnival in rio kicks off this weekend. and the festivities are already under way. the mayor handed over the keys to the city to the rei momo king of the carnival marking the start of the first carnival since covid hit brazil. there ll be all night parades tomorrow and saturday with the samba drome back on the city s iconic beach. if you want to get in touch, you are