Requiring a COVID-19 test to enter the country does not help control the disease, says an epidemiologist.

Requiring vaccination cards or negative Covid-19 tests to enter Nicaragua “doesn’t make sense because they don’t help control the disease,” epidemiologist Leonel Argüello said. The Ministry of Health (Minsa) published on July 22 that it is waiving this entry requirement.

An epidemiologist has confirmed that there is an epidemic of covid-19 in Nicaragua. “Comparing data from last year and previous months, Minsa is reporting more cases,” he said. The predominant variant is omicron, according to the specialist, it is the most contagious and causes fewer symptoms and discomfort.

He also stated that this option can be considered “the least dangerous in terms of lethality.”

“You have to watch because this variant has produced hundreds of sub-variants and can change your behavior,” Argüello told LA PRENSA.

Read also: Nicaragua removes the presentation of a vaccination card and a negative test for covid from the requirements for entering the country

Since we live in winter, respiratory infections increase due to temperature changes, and the body’s defenses fall.

vaccine

Existing vaccines against this disease do not prevent infection with Covid-19, but they do prevent complications such as hospitalization and even death, Argüello explained. The omicron variant, which is mostly present in Nicaragua, is less aggressive than its predecessors.

“Pregnant women, people over 60 and people with chronic problems such as high blood pressure, diabetes, heart and lung disease have a higher risk of complications,” the specialist said.

See also: “Once again, malaria defeats us.” Warning after the coming of winter

Minsa decree 360-2023 removed testing for COVID-19 as a requirement for entry into the country. This change in health authorities amends Regulation No. 136-2023, published March 17, 2023, regarding diseases under international surveillance, including respiratory diseases at all points of entry into the country.

“The Ministry of Health, in connection with COVID-19 surveillance at the global and national levels, has decided to remove the requirements corresponding to the presentation of a COVID-19 vaccination card or a negative COVID-19 RT-PCR result to persons entering the country,” the order says.

They also indicate that covid-19 no longer constitutes an international emergency.