Doctors propose return to strict lockdown in Chile

The Chilean Medical Association proposed on Monday a new set of restrictions for three weeks, as hospitals face a near-total occupancy in Intensive care units and more than 7,000 new daily COVID-19 cases.

The association has called the strategy an "epidemic short circuit," in which people will be confined to local areas to reduce transmission and increase tracking of cases and contacts with other people.

People wishing to visit areas with most cases should have all immunization doses and have a negative COVID-19 test in the previous three days.

The new proposal includes suspending all non-essential economic activities, closing the country borders, and suspending the transit of vaccinated people.

But the Chilean government has yet to approve the proposal, as the Chilean Medical Association withdrew as a government advisor in recent weeks.

Enrique Paris, Chilean Health Secretary, said the government will study the proposal.

Chile had an extensive vaccination campaign in which 59% of the population have already received the necessary doses for COVID-19 immunization.

With a large number of vaccinated people, in May the government relaxed some lockdown measures, including freeing transit between cities.

By Monday, Chile had reported 1.4 million COVID-19 cases and more than 30,000 deaths.