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The Minister Secretary General of the Government, Jaime Bellolio, defended the decision of the Executive to back down with the restrictions on religious acts in phase 2 of the Step by Step Plan.
In the midst of the increase in infections, during the week it was resolved restrict all social activities in communes that are in the Transitional cover, including religious acts.
Faced with this scenario, the Episcopal Conference of Chile issued a statement accusing “discrimination” and calling the measure irrational.
Finally, the Government yielded to the pressure of the Catholic bishops and reauthorized religious acts in closed and public places, although with reduced capacity, as was the case before the new restrictions.
Asked about the situation, in dialogue with our partner CNN Chile, the government spokesperson defended the measure, arguing that the practice of faith helps mental health.
“Freedom of worship is part of the essence of constitutions in all parts of the world and that is something that is also relevant especially when a month comes when it is Holy Week., not only for Catholics, but it is for people of faith, “said the minister.
Regarding the rest of the freedoms that are intervened, seeking to prevent the spread of the virus that in recent weeks has left worrying figures, the La Moneda spokesman assured that exceptions can be made.
“There are some (freedoms) that -of course- may be more justifiable according to the pandemic and others that are not. In this case what is being said is that exactly what happened before: 10 people maximum indoors, 20 people maximum outdoors ”, he remarked.
Regarding the recommendations of the experts and the Medical College itself to restrict social gatherings of any kind, the representative of the Executive made a particular reflection.
“I have not heard any … I have not seen any documents scientist who says that this happens at masses or other religious rites (…) The spirituality of people is not something to minimize, it is something that is very important in terms of mental health ”, he deepened.
Likewise, the Executive authority made a call not to look at this situation from a single perspective, because “it can be dissonant”, inviting “to look at it from other perspectives as well.”
Finally, he stated that the Government will always be willing to review the scope of the Step by Step Plan, aiming to make it as reasonable as possible.
On other issues, the minister stressed that “during this government we are going to do everything possible so that Manuel Baquedano is in the square that bears his name.”
He also commented on the departure of the delegate in the South Macrozone, Cristián Barra, who criticized the Armed Forces for not taking more prominence in the crisis in La Araucanía.
“The Armed Forces can never replace the work of the police,” said Bellolio in this regard, making clear the government’s position on this matter.
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