The Minister of Government, Gabriel Martínez, reported that the mayors of the coastal municipalities accepted the recommendation of the National Emergency Operations Committee (COE) to close the country’s beaches during the three-day Easter holiday.
Martínez spoke on the morning of this Monday, March 29, 2021 with the cantonal COE to agree that the measure be applied at the national level. In this way it is hoped to reduce crowds and incivilities.
The National Emergency Operations Committee (COE) recommended hours before that the country’s beaches will be during the three days of mandatory rest for the Easter holiday, as a preventive measure against the spread of covid-19. From April 2 to 4, 2021, tourists will be prevented from entering the spas.
The resolution of the entity was the result of the last session, held the night of March 28, after analyzing a technical report presented by the Ministry of Health on the epidemiological status of Ecuador. “The results, as we anticipated, are very complex and worrying,” said the president of the National COE, Juan Zapata.
The cantons with beaches in their territory will receive a request from the National COE to avoid opening them and thus control crowds. In addition, mass events will remain suspended. Cantonal COEs are not expected to issue permits for these activities either.
Another of the COE measures will be the mobility restriction for light vehicles with the last odd digit of the license plate from 12:00 on Thursday, April 1, and all day Saturday. Even and zero will not be able to circulate all Friday and Sunday.
Passenger transport must meet 75% of the allowed capacity in 50% of the frequencies. However, freight vehicles used within the logistics chain are exempt from the mobility restriction.
The sale of alcohol will also be prohibited from 6:00 p.m. on holidays of April 2, 3 and 30 and May 1. In addition, the government and tourism ministries will issue resolutions so that on Sundays the consumption and sale of alcoholic beverages is prohibited. (I)