The President of Uruguay, Luis Lacelle Pouannounced Monday the decision of end the state of health emergency declared in March 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic.

After meeting with health authorities, and “based on information received” about the evolution of the virus in the country, “we decided to eliminate the health emergency,” the president said via his Twitter account.

“We will sign the corresponding order in the days to come“, He added.

The Uruguayan Executive declared a health emergency on March 13, 2020, when it learned of the first four cases of covid-19 in the country.

This framework allows the government to implement a series of extraordinary measures to prevent the spread of contagion, such as closing various activities or suspending public performances.

Most of these measures were relaxed last year, as the vaccination campaign advanced, reaching high incidence rates. 80% of the population had two doses against covid-19 and 64% were inoculated by a third booster dose.

“It’s time to take the qualitative but absolutely necessary step towards normalization,” Health Minister Daniel Salinas said at a press conference after meeting with Lacalle and before indicating what would change in the proposal.

“For example, more (specific) capacity will not be required in closed areas. Shows, cinemas, event venues and gyms. there will be 100% capacity“, he pointed out.

Also, he explained that the indication to use face masks in specific situations, “such as food processors, health personnel, closed areas with a high concentration of people, or public transportation”, will continue to be recommended but no longer mandatory.

The government announced on Friday the decision to allow vaccinated Uruguayans and foreigners to enter the country without having to prove a negative covid result.

PCR or antigen test is still required for Uruguayans and foreigners who have not been inoculated against the virus.

Finally, the minister said that in the next few days daily reports will no longer be provided where covid-19 cases have been reported and these will be weekly.

Salinas hopes that tomorrow he will meet with the president of the board of directors of the National Administration of Public Education (ANEP), Robert Silva, to determine the scope of the proposal in this area.

Do we have a very specific health plan? for the education sector, he said, although he did not provide details, according to Uruguay’s Public Media Portal.

With information from the AFP

DD