The Yanomami Special Indigenous Health District is one of the territories with the greatest need for professionals, with only 5% of vacancies occupied.| Photo: Disclosure/Ministry of Defense

The government of President Lula (PT) published an ordinance, this Wednesday (1), with a series of restrictions on access to the Yanomami Indigenous Land during the period of validity of the Public Health Emergency of National Importance. The ordinance was signed by the National Foundation for Indigenous Peoples (Funai) and the Special Secretariat for Indigenous Health (Sesai) of the Ministry of Health.

Among the restrictions, the government prohibits carrying a weapon, with the exception of the Security Force, the entry of drugs and alcoholic beverages and “religious proselytism” in Yanomami communities. “The exercise of any religious activities with indigenous peoples is strictly prohibited, as well as the use of clothes with religious images or expressions”, foresees the ordinance.

The ordinance also contains recommendations to public servants on a mission to Yanomami Land and a term of commitment that must be delivered to Funai, along with proof of a complete vaccination schedule, with a vaccine against Covid-19; medical evaluation certificate that confirms the absence of an infectious disease and the Covid-19 test with a negative result, carried out within 24 hours.

The new access measures do not apply to health and sanitation professionals linked to Sesai and partner institutions. In addition to the restrictions, the government also articulated toughening and inspection actions in the villages with the Ministry of Defense and the airspace in the Yanomami region will be closed by the Brazilian Air Force (FAB) to combat gold mining.