Caracus, Venezuela (CNN) Venezuela's information minister has said that a huge power outage that has left most of the country dark for a week has been completely restored.

The power failure left many homes without running water and caused chaos in hospitals, as well as disrupting places of work and schools. At its worst, 19 of 23 states were affected, and the capital Caracas was blanketed by darkness.

Speaking at a press conference Wednesday, Information Minister Jorge Rodriguez said that "President Nicolas Maduro has decided to resume work activities throughout the country" on Thursday. He added, "School activities remain suspended for another 24 hours."

He urged people to unplug appliances and turn off lights. "Help us to help you," he said.

CNN teams on the ground said power has been restored in many parts of Caracas, but not everywhere.

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