Uruguay announces new Covid-19 restrictions: schools and public offices to be closed

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – The President of Uruguay, Luis Lacalle Pou, announced on Tuesday, March 23rd, a new series of sanitary restrictions in view of the advance of Covid-19 in the country.

These include the closure of schools and government offices nationwide. The first measure will be in force until the end of Easter week, after which it will return gradually – starting with the initial system – while the second will end on April 12th.

Clubs, gyms and “Free shops” will also be closed, and amateur sports, public shows and parties and social events will be banned.

Bars and restaurants will be allowed to remain open at the permitted capacity but will have to close at midnight, which means that they will have to close two hours earlier than at present.

The President also announced that, at the request of the departments of Salto and Paysandú, the thermal resorts located there will close until April 12th.

In a press conference at the Executive Tower, Lacalle Pou assured that his government made the decision “with regret”, but stressed the need to do so in view of the increase in the number of infections which “are putting pressure” on the intensive care units.

Consequently, the President announced that 129 new intensive care beds will be added: 35 in private institutions, 10 in the Military Hospital and the rest in the public sector.

Source: infobae