Coronavirus

Chile receives new vaccine shipment

Vaccination rollout in the city of Copiapó, Chile. Photo: Israel Chavez Rojas/Shutterstock
Vaccination rollout in the city of Copiapó, Chile. Photo: Israel Chavez Rojas/Shutterstock

Adding to its strong vaccination rollout, Chile received a further 2.2 million doses of the Chinese-made CoronaVac this week. President Sebastián Piñera celebrated the deal, saying that immunization is an “act of collective solidarity.”

Chile boasts the best vaccine rollout in Latin America by far: more than 40 percent of the population have been fully immunized, inching closer to the government’s goal of 70 percent.

During the announcement, Mr. Piñera confirmed that the so-called “vaccination pass” program will come into effect across the country as of Wednesday. According to the plan, people who have been fully vaccinated will be allowed to move freely outside of quarantine zones. Two months ago, the government placed 70 percent of the population under strict measures to curb the pandemic. 

Despite good news regarding the country’s vaccination efforts, health authorities urge the population to remain vigilant. President Piñera stated that border restrictions will remain in force until at least June 15.