On February 7, the National COE issued a series of recommendations to continue dealing with COVID-19, which include the voluntary use of masks in open spaces and mandatory for all healthcare facilities, both for staff working in them and for patients and visitors. . Apart from gerontological centers and homes for the elderly.

Also, the mandatory use measure for people who have respiratory symptoms in open and closed spaces has been extended. And an additional recommendation: get tested for COVID-19 if there are signs or suspicions of this virus.

This last recommendation, which is not an obligation, remained in the air.

Places arranged for vaccination are empty. It is estimated that no more than five to ten people request the service per day, given that the numbers are generous.

This is the situation with COVID-19 and other respiratory diseases a few days before the Easter holiday

Vaccination against COVID-19: 113 places to get a dose this week in Guayaquil, Durán and Samborondón

Not surprisingly, the past two weeks have seen a large number of people coming to medical centers with symptoms of multiple respiratory illnesses. Many think it’s just the flu and don’t get tested, not only because of the price, but also because of the apparent belief that COVID-19 has disappeared, and they blame the winter season as the cause of their ailments.

In Quito alone, almost 50% of respiratory cases are caused by the coronavirus; then with influenza and respiratory syncytial virus, according to the Epidemiological Surveillance of the Ministry of Health.

Let’s not let our guard down, COVID-19 still hasn’t left us. We are still exposed to this virus whose long-term consequences we do not know. Biosecurity measures should still be maintained, especially on this holiday, where high concentrations can be a risk to our health. We still wear a mask in closed places. Doctors believe that vaccination is necessary, especially in vulnerable groups. Triage points are open. (OR)