Bogotá DC, September 27, 2021. An emphatic call was made by the deputy minister of Public Health and Provision of Services, Luis Alexander Moscoso for the public to recognize the risk that social marches represent for public health, given the presence of the Covid-19 and the new lineages.

Moscoso explained that "we are still in a pandemic; at this time, we have lineages with greater transmission rate such as the Delta strain. Although we are registering a significant downward curve in cases, occupations in intensive care units (ICU) and losses of lives, we already know the consequences of the marches for public health. We saw it in April and May 2021."

It should be considered that crowds without protection factors such as the use of a mask, permanent hand washing and disinfection, and physical distancing, are a risk.

"We must remember that all gatherings present risks and that is why we must minimize them. We must consider them and protect ourselves," said the official, adding that although social protest is a right, today, given the pandemic, they represent a risk, "that is why those who participate must keep their distance, wear the mask correctly and be vaccinated."

In his call, he also asked citizens to bear in mind that rants and shouts are risky activities. "Remember that in these marches we can get infected with Covid-19 and transmit it to our families and friends," he said, pointing out that only with everyone's responsible behavior can the pandemic be fought.