Deputy Minister of Health of Paraguay resigns after photos go viral at a small party

(CNN Spanish) - In Paraguay, the Vice Minister of Health, Juan Carlos Portillo, resigned this Sunday after a video and photos of his participation in a small party that same day went viral.

Health Minister Julio Mazzoleni made a post on Twitter on Sunday night, where he accepted Portillo's resignation without explanation.

For his part, the now former vice minister apologized on Monday. “I have made a mistake and I accept the consequences of my actions. I thank everyone who gave me their trust over time. And I apologize to the public for the wrong message that I have transmitted, "he wrote on his Twitter account.

According to local media, Portillo participated in a celebration for the birthday of the model Magalí Caballero, who on her Instagram account said that nine people “from the same social nucleus” participated and that is why she understands that no health provision was violated.

Portillo has repeatedly asked the population to respect social distancing and the use of masks in their meetings, something that apparently did not happen at the celebration.

From this Sunday until September 6, the Paraguayan government put into effect a new protocol with more restrictive measures to combat the coronavirus in Asunción, the capital, and the Central Department, because they ensure that in these places there was a significant increase in cases.

Among others, it is established that the displacement of the inhabitants may only take place for certain important activities and essential services from 5 in the morning to 8 at night.