Chile’s Covid-19 positivity rate at 3.4%, lowest this year

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL –  “The regions with the largest drop in cases in 7 days were Maule with 33%, Antofagasta with 37% and Magallanes, which succeeded in reducing this figure by 50%, reflecting the population’s efforts to protect itself,” Chilean Minister of Health Enrique Paris said.

According to the new report on the progress of the pandemic published by the Ministry of Health (MINSAL), 2,330 new infections were detected nationwide -1,442 symptomatic, 737 asymptomatic and 151 to be determined-, reaching a total of 1.58 million infections since the virus reached the country in March 2020.

There are 2,384 people hospitalized in intensive care units as a result of Covid-19, 1,913 of whom are on mechanical ventilation support. Furthermore, the MINSAL reported the death of 110 people over the past day, raising the total number of deaths caused by the pandemic to 33,877 nationwide.

However, according to the Department of Health Statistics and Information (DEIS), considering suspected cases, the number of coronavirus-related deaths reaches 43,584.

Active cases, i.e. patients with the capacity to spread the virus, now total 17,043.

As a result of the drop in the number of cases over the past two weeks, authorities decreed the lifting of general lockdowns in dozens of municipalities, including most of Santiago’s neighborhoods, in addition to announcing that people with a complete vaccination schedule will be able to travel more easily as of next week.

Last Thursday, the Government announced an economic opening plan which will include the operation of stores and restaurants in indoor spaces and with limited capacity, as well as gyms, sports centers, movie theaters, theaters and museums which will have their capacity adjusted according to the epidemiological situation of each commune.

With 73% of its target population immunized – nearly 15 million people – Chile has deployed one of the world’s most successful vaccination processes.

Concurrently, and despite the fact that the borders have been closed since April, except for specific cases, the Delta variant, the most contagious according to the World Health Organization, has reached the country and at least 10 cases were confirmed last week.