Chile: Santiago to be placed under total lockdown from May 15 /update 16

Event

On Wednesday, May 13, Chilean authorities announced a total lockdown of Santiago from Friday, May 15, following a resurgence in coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases in the country. Chile's health minister Jamie Manalich further announced a general quarantine for the greater Santiago area in an effort to curb the spread of the virus. Manalich reported that 2660 new cases of COVID-19 were recorded overnight, 60 percent higher than the previous day, Tuesday, May 12.

Quarantine measures remain in place in  Cerro Navia, Conchalí, La Granja, San Miguel, Lo Espejo, Macul, Lo Prado, Peñalolén, La Florida, Renca, San Joaquín, La Cisterna, Independencia, Quinta Normal, Estación Central, Pedro Aguirre Cerda, El Bosque, San Bernardo, La Pintana, San Ramón, and Puente Alto. The measures prohibit residents from leaving their homes with the exception of seeking medical assistance, accessing public services, and paying bills for public services, for which a permit will be required. Further details of the measures in place can be found here.

The country's borders remain closed to foreign travelers until further notice. The restrictions do not apply to Chilean nationals and permanent residents who are permitted to enter the country or for cargo and associated personnel.

As of Wednesday, May 13, health authorities confirm 34,381 COVID-19 cases, and 346 associated deaths. Further spread of the virus is expected in the near term.

Context

The first case of COVID-19 was reported on December 31 and the source of the outbreak has been linked to a wet market in Wuhan (Hubei province, China). Human-to-human and patient-to-medical staff transmission of the virus have been confirmed. Many of the associated fatalities have been due to pneumonia caused by the virus.

Cases of the virus have been confirmed in numerous countries and territories worldwide. Virus-screening and quarantining measures are being implemented at airports worldwide, as well as extensive travel restrictions. On March 11, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the global outbreak a pandemic.

Pneumonia symptoms include dry cough, chest pain, fever, and labored breathing. Pneumonia can be contagious and can be transmitted from human to human. The influenza virus, or the flu, is a common cause of viral pneumonia.

Advice

Measures adopted by local authorities evolve quickly, and are usually effective immediately. Depending on the evolution of the outbreak in other countries, authorities are likely to modify, at very short notice, the list of countries whose travelers are subject to border control measures or entry restrictions upon their arrival to the territory in question. It is advised to postpone nonessential travel due to the risk that travelers may be refused entry or be subject to quarantine upon their arrival or during their stay.

To reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission, travelers are advised to abide by the following measures:

• Frequently clean hands by applying an alcohol-based hand rub or washing with soap and water.
• When coughing and sneezing, cover mouth and nose with a flexed elbow or tissue; if used, throw the tissue away immediately and wash hands.
• If experiencing a fever, cough, difficulty breathing, or any other symptoms suggestive of respiratory illness, including pneumonia, call emergency services before going to the doctor or hospital to prevent the potential spread of the disease.