Problems in supplying protective equipment (PPE) to the police led to the resignation of the interior minister, Carlos Morán, on 24 April.

The police have found themselves at the forefront of the government’s strategy of dealing with the Covid-19 crisis. A major difficulty has been the need to enforce lockdown in a society characterised by high levels of informality and overcrowded housing. So far, nearly 60,000 people have been arrested for flouting the rules.

So far, 17 police officers have died from the virus. More than 1,000 have responded positively to tests.