Covid-19: Bolivia records increase in cases after 15 weeks of de-escalation (week 39)

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – According to the epidemiological report of the Ministry of Health, Bolivia recorded an increase in Covid 19 cases after 15 weeks of continuous de-escalation. In the last few days, 30 percent more infections were detected.

The report refers to week 39 and indicates 549 more cases than in the previous comparable period. However, the head of this office, Jeyson Auza, points out that it is not yet possible to say that the fourth wave is already underway.

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“We want to tell the population that although it is not a significant number or trend that allows us to say that the fourth wave has begun, we are telling the population that the pandemic is not over, it is still latent, and we must continue with biosecurity measures and mass vaccination,” the office said.

Specifically, the departments of Santa Cruz (60 percent), Beni (275 percent), Pando (50 percent), Cochabamba (30 percent), Tarija (24 percent), La Paz (4 percent) and Oruro (74 percent) have increased, while Chuquisaca has lost -6 percent and Potosi -1 percent.

“Since the number of cases is small, any percentage increase means a significant increase,” Auza explained, noting that mass vaccination efforts must continue.

Data showed that 60 percent of the population had been reached, and 47.3 percent have already completed their vaccination schedule with the first and second doses or a single dose.