Chile’s government announced the end of the COVID-19 health emergency on Thursday, ending a status in effect since February 2020.
Government figures show that 5.2 million people contracted COVID-19 in Chile, resulting in 61,639 deaths.
The 1,301-day measure granted authorities special powers to address the crisis, but it also drew criticism from many quarters.
While the health alert has ceased, officials clarified that COVID-19 has not disappeared.
“This disease will continue to exist, and the virus will keep circulating among us. It means it will no longer be a national emergency,” the Secretary of State stated.
In Chile, measures were extreme.
They included mobility restrictions, border closures, allocating funds for vaccine imports, mandating mask usage in public spaces, and promoting telecommuting.
The conclusion of the COVID-19 health alert marks a significant milestone in Chile’s efforts to normality.
The nation’s journey to reach that point was notably longer than most other countries.
Even as of May 2023, when it became evident that vaccination yielded unexpected outcomes and potentially adverse effects, the Chilean Government urged citizens to continue receiving vaccinations to curb COVID-19 spread.