China News Service, February 24. According to the report compiled by the South American Overseas Chinese News Network, on February 22, the Paraguayan government announced that it would not extend the validity period of the previous health measures and lifted almost all health restrictions, but wearing masks in crowded and closed places still is mandatory.
Paraguayan newspaper El Pais reported that Presidential Spokesperson Hernán Hutman justified the measure on the grounds that "the situation in the country is improving".
But he stressed that this does not mean the health emergency is over.
In addition, the requirement to provide proof of two complete doses of the new coronary pneumonia vaccine when entering Paraguay will also remain in effect.
"We will focus on encouraging vaccination against COVID-19, as this is the key to getting out of the predicament of the epidemic," Hutman emphasized. "In addition, there are no more restrictions now, and vaccination is only a recommendation, not an obligation."
In line with the government's decision, the Ministry of Education ordered all primary schools, secondary schools and universities to resume classes.
Education Minister Manuel Brunetti announced that the measures requiring teachers to take nucleic acid tests have been lifted, but the vaccine will continue to be recommended for everyone.
Health Minister Julio Borba said pupils aged five to 12 who participated in face-to-face classes would be vaccinated in classrooms.
"It's been two years and we know how to coexist with the coronavirus, and it's everyone's responsibility to work hard to get out of this situation," he said.