Massive tests in Bolivia to detect more Covid-19 infections
La Paz, Jan 10 (Prensa Latina) Bolivia registered 1,644 new Covid-19 infections in the past 24 hours, and authorities foresee a rapid rise in cases due to the massive tests that are being conducted across the country.
La Paz and Santa Cruz Departments recorded the highest number of infections, that is, 434 and 609, respectively, and 23 people have died, which amount to 9,351 deaths since the outbreak of the pandemic in March.
Minister of Health Edgar Pozo warned that testing the whole population, some 2.2 million nasal antigens and RT PCRs (Polymerase Chain Reaction), purchased by the government, will allow to provide timely health care to those infected.
'After being diagnosed faster, the person will receive treatment faster, so he or she will does not end up in intensive care,' Pozo claimed.
He said that asymptomatic patients will remain isolated for 14 days until their recovery, a strategy that will prevent the spread of the disease, as well as the setting up of isolation centers in each department for symptomatic patients.
He also urged public and private institutions to demand the use of face masks, set up spaces for hand washing of employees and the reduction of the time of cultural, sports, religious, and commercial activities.
The minister announced that, in the next hours, several legal provisions will be issued to enforce those restrictive measures.