Venezuela reported this Wednesday, January 19, a new record of coronavirus infections, reaching 2,328 cases. For the second day in a row, infections exceeded the figures that the government had been handling since December.
Nicholas Maduro reported on national television that the country went from having 5 cases per 100,000 inhabitants to reporting 20 cases per 100,000. He attributed the high number to the arrival of the omicron variant.
“The coronavirus is growing (…) We are going to take better care of ourselves,” he said.
He also indicated that Venezuela will continue with growth accelerated rate of contagion as the peak will be seen at the end of January.
“Experts tell me that the peak of contagion is expected to be reached between January 30 or 31. Right now we are going to have the accelerated growth of infections. We have to take care of ourselves,” he said.
He insisted that prevention and care must set the standard in Venezuelans because although the omicron variant is not lethal, it is more contagious.
“I make a call to Venezuelans. You have to take more care. To those who have the reinforcements of the covid vaccine, I urge you to apply it. They have to put it on, we have to protect the people,” he said.
Despite this increase in virus infections, Maduro ruled out “closing the country.” He assured that they have had good policies to keep the coronavirus under control.
However, he said they will remain on the alert and in continuous evaluation to determine if it is necessary to return to the 7+7 scheme.
“We have had good results, good policies, I want the country to remain open and working. I want the country to stay like this, all the weeks to come (…) We have 7 plus 7 at hand. If the infections are uncontrollable, we would evaluate the application of 7+7. For now I don’t think it’s necessary and I appeal to discipline and conscience so that they take care of themselves».
#Attention | Venezuela registers 2,328 cases of COVID-19 this #19Ene
“From five cases per 100,000 we went to 20 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, as a result of the arrival of the Omicron variant,” explained the president. @NicolasMaduro pic.twitter.com/FoiNqib44U
— Presidential Press (@PresidentialVen) January 19, 2022
