Chile eases restrictions for vaccinated people

The metropolitan area of the Chilean capital, Santiago, reopened business and lifted some restrictions on Monday, as authorities there announced the lowest number of new COVID-19 cases in the last months.

According to the plan to return to normalcy in Chile, people who are fully vaccinated and have obtained a "mobility pass" can travel between municipalities and enter businesses.

Close to 80 percent of people have completed their COVID-19 vaccination in Chile, making it one of the countries leading the health campaign in Latin America.

Lifting of restriction includes return to classes, reopening of restaurants, gyms, theaters and churches.

Still, a large part of the country is under earlier lockdown phases.

Hospitalizations for COVID-19 decreased by a third in the past week and are only half of the figures recorded two weeks ago.

Admissions into Intensive Care Units also reduced.

According to national health authorities, Chile has recorded more than 1.6 million of COVID-19 positive cases and more than 35,000 deaths.