The general coordinator of the High Commission for the Prevention of Coronavirus Gustavo Montalvo warned that people who violate quarantine and isolation measures could be fined in an exemplary manner, as a way of making them understand the imperative need for them to remain in their homes so that the country can succeed in defeating the present epidemic. Minister of the Presidency, speaking on the evening of 24 March 2020, said: “It is my duty to stress the seriousness of this situation and to remind all that this quarantine period is not optional. It is not only an ethical and civic obligation but also a legal one. Its violation carries fines of between one and ten minimum wages”.
He insisted that by staying in the homes, “we will manage to reduce the infection curve and thus create the best conditions for health workers to care for those who need it most.”
He spoke of the best-case scenario of in a few weeks of applying measures of social isolation, and the new infections will be reduced to zero as has been achieved in countries such as China and South Korea. He said this is essential so that those that need medical care. If not, the health system will collapse, he said. He announced the strengthening of protocols for action against the new coronavirus, such as improving staff training, hiring more nurses and doctors, including reinstating retired doctors and improving the country’s capacity to test for the disease.
Read more in Spanish:
Presidencia
Hoy
25 March 2020