Sucre recalled that the country is experiencing an emergency situation due to the pandemic produced by the Covid-19 disease.

The official explained that the Health Code does not contradict "at all" what was stated by the Attorney General, Rigoberto González, on whether or not the test to detect the aforementioned virus is mandatory.

"If we were in a regular situation of course this could not be done," Sucre insisted. He also stressed that in the last paragraph of González's statement it is clear that they can be carried out due to the current situation.

On Monday afternoon, González stated that the swab tests to detect possible cases of Covid-19, cannot be applied in a mandatory, random or indiscriminate way, unless people give their consent.

González's position comes after a query made to his office by Sucre about the faculty of the Ministry of Health to order the mandatory performance of swab tests on nationals and foreigners.

The attorney for the Administration considered that a measure such as the one described in the consultation could be carried out exceptionally, in cases where the person refused to take the test and there is certainty or suspicion founded by other examinations or evidence, that this have or could be a carrier of a communicable disease.

Sucre recalled that in the country the contagion of Covid-19 is already community-based and that it is not necessary to have contact with a sick person. "There is a surface that we touch and share that may be contagious," he said.