First 4000 covid vaccines arrive in Paraguay

Its been a long wait. First arrival of covid vaccines made headlines in all newspapers this week.

ASUNCION, Feb 16 (Reuters) - Paraguay will on Thursday receive approximately 4,000 doses of Russia’s Sputnik V vaccine against COVID-19, its health minister said on Tuesday, allowing it to kick-start its immunization program next week

As I drove thru the city of Encarnacion yesterday, most people were wearing masks, and the traditional hand shake, hugging and hospitality have disappeared. Due to covid, this culture of laid back people are becoming more time and task oriented - at least in urban areas. - If you read this thru the eyes of modern western consumer, this is no surprise perhaps. But seeing it happen aqui (here) brings me a sense of loss. The warm connections are disappearing.

There are almost 7 million Paraguayans and residents in this country. As I observe the situation, it will probably be a while until every Paraguayan gets a immunization shot. And the past months have seen a rise in the infection rate. Clinics are at a max and there is very little we can do. Just try to stay healthy and hope for the best.

As in anywhere in the world with summer break and vacation just coming to an end, people have been moving around the country more and people are less fearful about getting out. I believe many are motivated by the need for mental health. After almost a year of been in lockdown mode, you see people sitting under trees along the road, drinking terere (cold beverage with yerba tea) and in the evening, people are walking more, and hanging out until late hours.

Paraguay managed to slow the early spread of coronavirus in the first half of last year with strict lockdowns, school and business closures, and even controversial “isolation camps” for people arriving in the country from abroad. However, infections have been climbing steadily since September and in mid-January hit a peak of over 1,000 new cases daily in the landlocked nation of 7 million people. (reuters.com)

As a missionary and someone who has lived in this country for a long time, I am hopeful. Faith has become deeper in those who in other times would not consider God or their need for spiritual and emotional help. Its a great time to bring hope, and that is something I love to do.

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