Although in recent days rumors have come to light about the alleged total suspension of the use of masks in Colombia, this Saturday, April 23, the Ministry of Health assured that the measure remains as it has been effective not only in dealing with covid-19 but also other respiratory diseases.
The Ministry of Health and Social Protection also recalled that naturally in April and May always, even before the covid-19 pandemic, there has been an epidemiological peak of respiratory diseases, and assured that in the last two years citizens have been more protected thanks to the permanent use of masks, so this measure would have “come to stay”.
Likewise, the head of that portfolio clarified that although Colombia has the lowest levels of impact from the covid-19 pandemic, until an epidemiological period with sustained endemic behavior is reached, the use of masks and other self-care measures must be maintained.
The Ministry of Health assured that thanks to these measures that have been maintained in the national territory, it is now possible to have the availability of five thousand beds of Intensive Care Units (ICU).
However, although the indicators are favorable, the minister defined that this is a calm situation that should be reviewed with caution, since it is only the beginning of stability, and it is necessary to complete at least 42 days like this.
Covid-19 vaccination
It is worth remembering that a few days ago the Ministry of Health announced that vaccination against covid-19 would no longer be exclusive and massive to join the Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI), that is, the regular vaccination scheme.
Thus, the local and departmental authorities are in a process of transition that aims to unite these two programs and that people can access the biological one against covid-19 at any vaccination point where those of the regular scheme are applied.
MinSalud recalled that currently vaccination coverage is 83% in first and single doses, 69.2% in complete schedules and 34.7% in booster doses.
In addition, the head of the portfolio indicated that although at the time there were 2,700 vaccination points against covid-19 throughout the country, today there are 4,700 points given that vaccination is being done in the country's IPS.
Likewise, he indicated that citizens who are looking for the vaccine “must go to their health center, and there they will have their vaccine, in the same place where they vaccinate children.”
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