With its service having been halted at the start of the COVID-19 lockdown process, the Puerto Rican Loteria Electronica is now set to reopen following the signing of Executive Order 2020-038 by Governor Wanda Vázquez Garced.
“The first executive reiterated that pharmacies and gas stations will be able to operate regularly 7 days a week, at established hours. This will include lottery sales and inspection centers,” states the measure.
While the order allows lotteries to be sold at local gas stations, the Treasury Department has confirmed that they will not restart operations yet, as they must find a way to be able to operate the lottery without risking the health of the public.
“The Executive Order allows it, but there is a mechanism to start draws and we haven’t started it yet,” said Vilmar Trinta, spokesperson for the Treasury, to Metro.
The governor has made a public request in order to comply with the rigorous health conditions and social distancing measures in Puerto Rico.
“It’s important that we can guarantee these conditions to avoid a significant increase in COVID-19 infections,” explained the Secretary of the Department of Economic Development and Commerce, Manuel A. Laboy Rivera.
“If the businesses don’t help and comply with the order, they can’t request a reopening,” said the Governor on her social networks.