Latin America says goodbye to 2021 with new records of COVID-19 cases, although not many of omicron
Several Latin American countries are taking action by the end of the year due to the increase in COVID-19 cases, although some governments have not confirmed the presence of the omicron variant.
Others, like Colombia, did notice the presence of omicron, but they will not announce new restrictions.
Colombian health authorities reported on December 20 three cases of omicron in travelers from Spain and the United States.
"Ămicron is 5 to 10 times more contagious (than the delta variant), however, there seems to be suggestive evidence that it is less severe," Health Minister Fernando Ruiz said in a statement to the press.
On Tuesday, 4,306 new cases of COVID-19 were registered nationwide, the highest number since August. The greatest increase in contagion has been registered by four main cities: BogotĂĄ, MedellĂn, Cali and Barranquilla.
Argentina
Argentina announced on Wednesday a new isolation scheme for those infected and contacts after registering the highest record of daily cases of coronavirus since the pandemic began.
The Ministry of Health reported 42,032 new cases in the last 24 hours, a figure that exceeded the 41,080 registered in May of this year.
Health authorities are urging people who have not yet completed their vaccination to do so, especially young people, who are more reluctant to receive the second dose.
Peru
Peru announced on Wednesday that the use of the beaches will not be allowed on December 31 and January 1 to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
The Minister of Health, Hernando Cevallos, warned that assistance to lakes, rivers, lagoons and public swimming pools will not be allowed either.
Cevallos said that the delta variant continues to be the predominant one in Peru, but omicron cases have already started to increase. So far there are 116 confirmed cases, the majority in Lima, but also in Sullana, a city near Ecuador.
Bolivia
In Bolivia, the mayors of major cities suspended parties and social events for the New Year after registering the highest daily number of COVID-19 infections since the pandemic began.
The authorities of La Paz, Cochabamba and El Alto annulled a rule that allowed celebrations to reactivate the economy.
âThe pandemic is escalating; Life comes first and it is preferable to be safe than sorry â, said the mayor of La Paz, IvĂĄn Arias, at a press conference. His Cochabamba counterpart, Manfred Reyes Villa, warned that "there is an explosion of infections and it would be irresponsible to allow parties."
In Bolivia, the presence of the omicron variant has not yet been confirmed.
Travel bans
In related news, the US embassy issued a travel alert to El Salvador on Wednesday, citing a high level of COVID-19 cases and also violent crime.
In contrast, the Salvadoran health authorities maintain that the cases of infection and deaths have dropped considerably.
Similarly, Israel included Mexico in a red list of countries that are prohibited from entering, which also includes the United States, the United Kingdom and Canada.
In its most recent report, the World Health Organization reported that COVID-19 cases increased globally by 11% last week, but the increase in the Americas was 39%.
[Contiene informaciĂłn de AP]
Connect with the Voice of America! Subscribe to our channel Youtube and activate notifications, or, follow us on social networks: Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Author Profile
- Allow me to introduce myself. I am Nathan Rivera, a dedicated journalist who has had the privilege of writing for the online newspaper Today90. My journey in the world of journalism has been a testament to the power of dedication, integrity, and passion.
My story began with a relentless thirst for knowledge and an innate curiosity about the events shaping our world. I graduated with honors in Investigative Journalism from a renowned university, laying the foundation for what would become a fulfilling career in the field.
What sets me apart is my unwavering commitment to uncovering the truth. I refuse to settle for superficial answers or preconceived narratives. Instead, I constantly challenge the status quo, delving deep into complex issues to reveal the reality beneath the surface. My dedication to investigative journalism has uncovered numerous scandals and shed light on issues others might prefer to ignore.
I am also a staunch advocate for press freedom. I have tirelessly fought to protect the rights of journalists and have faced significant challenges in my quest to inform the public truthfully and without constraints. My courage in defending these principles serves as an example to all who believe in the power of journalism to change the world.
Throughout my career, I have been honored with numerous awards and recognitions for my outstanding work in journalism. My investigations have changed policies, exposed corruption, and given a voice to those who had none. My commitment to truth and justice makes me a beacon of hope in a world where misinformation often prevails.
At Today90, I continue to be a driving force behind journalistic excellence. My tireless dedication to fair and accurate reporting is an invaluable asset to the editorial team. My biography is a living testament to the importance of journalism in our society and a reminder that a dedicated journalist can make a difference in the world.
