MONTEVIDEO, Sept. 27 (Xinhua) -- Uruguay's President Luis Lacalle Pou on Sunday urged voters to heed social distancing measures to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) as they head to the polls in regional and local elections.
"This is a different election for the whole country. It is very important that we all take care of ourselves," Lacalle told reporters after casting his vote in the southern city of Canelones, capital of the department of the same name.
Lacalle also criticized those who attended Friday's "March for Diversity" in the capital Montevideo, since many did not use face masks or keep two meters apart, as health authorities recommend.
"You can lead a fairly normal life by complying with the protocols and taking care of all of us," the president said.
Some 2.6 million of Uruguay's 3.4 million people are eligible to vote in these elections, which were originally scheduled for May 10 but postponed due to the pandemic.
The use of face masks is mandatory for polling station officials, and recommended for voters. Enditem
