Head of Epidemiology of the Canary Islands Health Service, Amós García, welcomes more measures but without closing the perimeter of the Canary Islands.
Almost paraphrasing the President of the Canary islands who said he "does not" foresee a perimeter closure of the islands, Amós believes that the epidemiological situation in the archipelago in the face of covid19 is more favourable than that of the other autonomous regions. He iterates that it's not necessary to close the perimeter of the Canary Islands at Easter, but he does say he worries "about the underground growth" of infections.
He stated this at the press conference where he was questioned on the state health services document suggesting extra restrictive measures for the Easter holidays. For García, the Canary Islands indicators "do not give for drastic restrictions such as the perimeter closure" at Easter. Although he does give warnings that relaxation of the rules where people have freedom of movement and make unprotected interactions and contacts exacerbates the spread of the virus and leads to increases in cases.
García adds "Now Easter really worries, so it is key that society understands that it should be calm, like a normal week, and you should not lower your guard," he asserted, emphasizing that "that this Easter is not special, it is essential to continue making progress so that 2022 can be enjoyed”.
Furthermore, he insists that current restrictive measures such as the mandatory use of face masks, frequent hand washing and interpersonal safety distances be maintained, in the face of the perimeter closure of the archipelago. Regarding the proposal that students do not return home for the holidays, he indicates that "any mobility is negative in this time frame" but the requirement to have a negative PCR test "is a positive control instrument."
Finally, he has asked the Canarian society to have "tranquillity, calm, patience and prudence" at this time.