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World

Colombian capital warily emerges from lockdown

2020-08-28 09:30:25

BOGOTA, Aug. 27 (Xinhua) -- Colombia's capital Bogota emerged from lockdown on Thursday with a gradual reopening plan called "New Reality," aiming to reactivate the economy while containing the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak that has claimed more than 18,000 lives.

Bogota Mayor Claudia Lopez said the initial reopening phase, which will last until December, limits businesses to operating at 60 percent of capacity to ensure social distancing, and imposes other safety measures.

"Of the main economic sectors, the ones with the lowest risk are services and offices. These will operate six days a week with half (of their staff) working from home," Lopez said.

Churches will hold services outdoors or limit them to individuals or small groups.

Restaurants will be able to serve outdoor tables as they begin the process of adapting interiors to the new spacing guidelines.

The city's mass transit system, meanwhile, will increase passenger capacity from the current cap of 35 percent to 50 percent.

However, an existing program to restrict mobility will remain in force, limiting entry to establishments according to the last digit of residents' identity documents. Likewise, nightclubs and alcohol sales in bars and restaurants are still off limits.

"Commerce is a blessing because it employs many people, but it is an epidemiological nightmare because it means more people, interaction, customers and cash," Lopez said.

The mayor urged residents to remain vigilant despite the easing of restrictions, noting the virus is still active. Enditem

Editor:Jiang Yiwei