Santiago municipal and police authorities closed the flea market on Joaquín Balaguer Avenue at dawn this Wednesday.
Members of the Ministry of Health, National Police and Municipal Police took part in the operation, which proceeded to temporarily close the square, where thousands of people gathered.
Santiago Provincial Director of Health Norberto Peña said they have temporarily closed the market but have a date to reopen it as they need to reach a consensus with administrators as cases of Covid-19 continue to recover .
He said they will take steps to avoid crowds in other places, such as banks, supermarkets and shops.
Merchants had to go home with the merchandise. Then they improvised a market under the place, but members of the police and military prevented this.
Motoconchistas and sellers complained about the market closing, calling the measure arbitrary as they hoped to win the money from the Christmas Eve dinner today.