Observatorio Ciudadano Raises the Number of Suspected Cases of Coronavirus in Nicaragua to 431

Three patients remain hospitalized for covid-19 in Nicaragua, the Ministry of Citizen Power for Health reported Friday, through a press release. The World Health Organization has reported 14 cases and 4 deaths so far.

Meanwhile, a report by Observatorio Ciudadano about Covid-19 says there are already 431 suspected cases of coronavirus in Nicaragua. The document takes into account the cases reported by the Ministry of Health.

This report is prepared by a multidisciplinary council of more than 70 professionals that includes epidemiologists, public health and computer experts who have links in the 17 departments of the country and the Caribbean, northern and southern regions of the country.

The reports, the observatory warns, are not a substitute for the work of the Ministry of Health. Only suspected cases reported in departments are checked because they do not have access to laboratories to check for contagions.

Data can serve as a guideline for citizens to implement prevention measures.

The Ministry of Citizen Power for Health has not officially reacted to this report by the citizen observatory.

CNN has requested information on the number of tests conducted by the Ministry of Health’s National Diagnostic and Reference Center, through the Communication and Citizenship Council coordinated by Vice President Rosario Murillo, but have not responded to their request.

In a speech on National Television Network on April 30, President Daniel Ortega minimized the number of cases and deaths from covid-19, noting that hundreds of people died in the country during these months from road traffic accidents and chronic diseases and not by coronavirus.  “It is impossible that they have not died, it is impossible that there are no people who are contaminated. Why, because we’re connected. The world is connected,” Ortega said.

Nicaraguan Vice President Rosario Murillo reported on Tuesday in a conference call that the government will reinforce the official campaign to prevent covid-19.

According to Murillo, the government will strengthen handwash awareness as an effective measure of virus containment and promote personal distance.

The government campaign will also promote the use of masks and emphasize that it should be used by people with respiratory symptoms, health personnel and those caring for vulnerable people.

The need for the use of masks and other protective equipment for healthcare personnel is one of the main demands of the Nicaraguan Medical Association. (CNN en Español)