​Bogotá D.C., October 11, 2020. The National Government is making a special call to the organizers of social protests in the south of the country due to the high risk of contagion of Covid-19 associated with these crowds. These were the remarks by the Minister of Health and Social Protection, Fernando Ruiz, noting that Resolution 1462, 2020 is still in force, which regulates the Health Emergency until November 30.

Minister Ruiz indicated that the chances of contagion between people of the minga can be high. "They will be traveling through low-contagion cities, such as Ibagué or Fusagasugá, so they can be a vector of transmission in the transportation vehicles and in the places where they will spend the night," he said.

The Ministry reiterates that any crowd is a risk and even more so if measures are relaxed for a long period of time. This is why there is concern about the social manifestations in Cauca–a province with a low contagion rate–and which are scheduled to go through Cali–a city with a high contagion rate–.

We remind the general public of their responsibility in relation to Covid-19, to reduce the spread of the virus by complying with protocols, care and prevention measures and local regulations. Also, mayors of the cities where social demonstrations will be held are urged to protect their inhabitants.

"We have evidence of the negative effects of crowds, as has already been seen in Bogotá, where the contagion rate spiked after holding social marching events," Ruiz said.

Measures to reduce effects

For his part, the Deputy Minister of Public Health and Provision of Services, Luis Alexander Moscoso, invited the leaders of these demonstrations to enforce all the Covid-19 biosecurity measures among the participants, "which are the two-meter social distancing, correct use of face masks, not to share drinks or food, wash or disinfect hands permanently and avoid crowds during marches or concentrations that may take place in the national territory."

Moscoso added that in the case of people over 60 years of age or with underlying diseases such as diabetes, cancer, hypertension, among others, the invitation is for them not to participate in the demonstrations given the risk of them becoming ill or dying.

"It must also be remembered that, in many cases, Covid-19 occurs asymptomatically, which is the importance of the measures. People with symptoms of suspected novel coronavirus are asked to not participate and consult the health services, and self-isolate with contacts," he said.