ASUNCION, October 18, 2020 - This is the most critical moment of the coronavirus pandemic in Paraguay. The number of deaths has reached 1,165 and those infected are more than 53,000. Perhaps they are not scary numbers compared to those of other nations in the American continent or the world, but the worrying thing is that 90 percent of these cases were registered in the last 60 days and there are no reassuring signs yet.

The only positive thing is that during this time, doctors and health assistants have gathered valuable experience in the treatment of this new virus, which will be of great value in the event that a second wave is also registered here.

The economic impact of this health crisis has affected all sectors, including the media. Large news companies are surviving, but have made significant cuts in expenses, including a moderate reduction in their staff.

It is not possible to quantify how many small organizations mainly in AM and FM radios have had to stop their activity due to the withdrawal of their advertising support. Freelancers have been the hardest hit by the situation.

The government assisted formal workers who were temporarily suspended or laid off with small monthly fees, which however did not benefit the self-employed.

Professional football was the first to return to activity. The first of two usual annual championships was held from mid-July to October 4, with 84 games, all played behind closed doors. This weekend a new tournament begins, with an abbreviated format (only 14 rounds), which will end on December 30.

Motor racing (rally) is another activity that is already back, while other sports are looking for creative formulas to comply with the expensive health protocols that at the moment only these football and motor racing have been able to face, thanks to the financial resources (private capital) available to its organizing entities.