Clandestine partying : Uruguay extends closure of Frontiers till end of Jan

Uruguay announced a raft of new measures to help contain the growing number of Covid-19 positive cases which if sustained could strain hospital and sanitary capacities.

President Luis Lacalle Pou said that the current closure of frontiers which had been announced last December 21, including a more specific definition of the right of assembly, will be extended until the end of January, with weekly reviews, based on the number of positive cases that have peaked recently, because of a surge in agglomerations coinciding with the end of the school year and the beginning of summer holidays.

The Uruguayan president in a message to the tourist industry said that bars and restaurants, which currently have to close by midnight, will now enjoy the extension of a couple of extra hours, that is to two in the morning. He added that each county Emergency Coordinator Center will decide if the measure can be implemented in its area of influence.

The extension of working hours for bars and restaurants was decided because “there are protocols and controls”, said the president underlined that “the messy partying situation is taking place outdoors, it’s clandestine” and anticipated a greater intensification and coordination to control outdoor celebrations and festivities.

Likewise, some public shows, theaters, cinemas, will be allowed but with a limited number of spectators. Soccer and basketball official matches can resume but with no public present. Government staff when possible will be encouraged to work from home.

The control of sanitary protocols which must be respected by companies and businesses will be intensified, and those not complying will be exposed to fines and closure.

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#Montevideo #LuisLacallePou