Amazon closes borders against pandemic

The Amazon region remains steadfast in its intentions to slow the advance of the coronavirus. Of the country’s 24 provinces, only Napo and Orellana – both from the Amazon – remained until yesterday with no confirmed cases.

Amazon closes ranks against pandemic

The inhabitants consider that due to its geographical location, and since its main productive activity is oil extraction, the flow of people is low and that has facilitated containment.

However, the municipal and provincial governments, as well as the National Government, have spared no effort to prevent the entry of the disease from other provinces.

Raquel Torres, Governor of Napo, indicated that in order to keep the number of cases at zero, it has been key to follow the protocols and guidelines of the National Emergency Operations Committee (COE).

He analyzed that the rapid coordination with the municipalities has kept the province healthy, since prevention actions are carried out at all points of entry into the territory.

One of them is the disinfection of vehicles and the installation of health tables for medical examinations and taking the temperature of travelers.

He also assured that the collaboration of the Armed Forces and the National Police has been essential to maintain the operation of the strategic sectors and the supply.

He considered it a blessing to still not have cases of coronavirus, but he clarified that, when they began to appear, the care protocols for the patients were ready.

He urged citizens to avoid spreading false news that generates panic, misinformation and waste of resources that can be used on more urgent issues.

Another key point to prevent contagion is to maintain rigid restrictions on mobility and disinfection of public spaces, Torres said. A similar vision is shared by the council of Puerto Francisco de Orellana (Coca), capital of the province of Orellana.

The Police, the Armed Forces and municipal agents were used to carry out constant patrols and avoid the presence of people outside. The Fire Department, for its part, contributes by spraying the neighborhoods.

The mayor Ricardo Ramírez has reiterated his intention to close the roads of the canton; however, as this is not one of their powers, they remain expedited, although with disinfection controls.

Likewise, Ramírez stressed that agreements were reached with the taxi drivers union to transfer health workers at the end of their day, to avoid possible contamination.

Mayor of Morona requests deposit from the Common Fund
Morona Mayor Franklin Galarza called on the President of the Planning and Development Council of the Amazon Special Territorial Circumscription, Álex Hurtado, to deposit with the decentralized autonomous governments (GAD) money from the Common Fund of the region destined to the health emergency.

He said that they are about $ 70 million from the oil profits of 2018 and that at this time they are required more than ever to meet the needs of the inhabitants.

He explained that they want to prevent disbursements from being made through projects and formats, which must then be approved in processes that can take a long time.

“We need to buy masks, gloves, antibacterial gel, thermometers, supplies, and supplies. There is no time to lose, each day that passes without having the elements to combat the virus condemns us to regret the loss of loved ones, ”said the mayor.

https://www.eltelegrafo.com.ec/noticias/ecuador/1/amazonia-cierra-pandemia