Bolivia Enlists Support of Military, Police to Fight Rising COVID-19 Cases

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – The Bolivian government said Sunday, January 3rd, that it will enlist the support of the armed forces, the police, and local governments to carry out an operation against surging COVID-19 cases.

Bolivian Minister of Health and Sports Edgar Pozo Valdivia said at a press conference in the city of La Paz that inter-institutional coordination will be developed with the heads of the armed forces and the police.

After holding meetings with police and military leaders, Pozo said that the actions are meant to help the country fight a surge in COVID-19 cases.

The inter-institutional force will head tasks such as biosafety controls, installation of mobile medical posts, and logistical support such as transporting tests, he said.

Minister of Government Eduardo del Castillo said that members of the military and police officers will take to the streets not to repress citizens but to enforce compliance with physical distancing measures and the use of masks.

Bolivia had reported 162,055 cases of COVID-19 as of Saturday with 9,186 deaths, according to the Ministry of Health.

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