Paraguay extends lockdown until April 12 amid virus

By Beyza Binnur Donmez

ANKARA (AA) - Paraguay's President Mario Abdo Benitez confirmed Saturday that the Latin American country would remain under total isolation until April 12 in efforts to stem the spread of coronavirus.

"After listening to the arguments of all sectors. I have decided to maintain total isolation until April 12," the president said on Twitter.

"I ask everyone for more effort! Let's continue in solidarity with our Health system," the president added.

The extension of total isolation, which was declared the same day when the first coronavirus-related death recorded, on March 20, was signed by the president this morning.

The isolation would end on Saturday midnight, had the president not signed the extension.

In Paraguay, three people have died from coronavirus, while a total of 56 cases and 1 recovery confirmed so far, according to the data compiled by U.S.-based Johns Hopkins University.