Colombia: Authorities extend nationwide quarantine until July 1 /update 16

Event

On Thursday, May 28, Colombian authorities announced an extension to the nationwide quarantine in place to limit the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic until July 1. The announcement comes as some measures are eased in parts of the country, with certain businesses, museums, and libraries permitted to reopen, at the discretion of local mayors. Public transport between municipalities remains suspended, and people are requested to remain indoors. Children between the ages of 6 and 17 are allowed to participate in outdoor activities for 30 minutes, three days a week, as long as they are accompanied by an adult and social distancing measures are followed. However, individuals above the age of 70 are to remain under self-quarantine. Plans also include the gradual reopening of schools in August. Meanwhile, the lockdown in Bogotá has been extended until June 15.

The Colombian government announced on May 20 that a ban on international commercial flights would be extended until August 31. The closure of land borders and the national state of emergency (SoE) have also been extended until August 31. Domestic flights are expected to resume in June.

President Duque earlier announced on May 12 that Colombia's border with Brazil was to be militarized in efforts to curb the spread of COVID-19. The Amazonas province, bordering Brazil, has seen a significant rise in the number of cases, and a heightened security presence at the border aims to oversee travel and enforce the lockdown measures in the department to reduce transmission to Colombian residents. Social distancing and mandatory face mask use have also been implemented in the area.

Municipalities without confirmed COVID-19 cases are permitted to re-open. However, large events continue to be banned, and bars and clubs remain closed. Only one person per family is permitted to shop for essential items or to carry out financial transactions. Individuals are required to wear masks in stores, banks, and public transport, while restaurants are only allowed to provide deliveries.

As of Friday, May 29, authorities have confirmed 25,406 cases of COVID-19 in the country and 855 associated deaths. Further international spread of the virus is to be expected over 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 trouble 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.