Colombia: Nationwide quarantine extended until May 31 /update 11

Event

Colombian President Iván Duque extended the nationwide quarantine until Sunday, May 31, in an effort to prevent further spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic in the country. During a televised address on Tuesday, May 5, President Duque said that some measures will be relaxed from Monday, May 11, and the country will gradually reopen. Some sectors of the economy, including industrial and retail, will be able to resume operations on May 11. Manufacturing and construction have already been allowed to return to work. Children between the ages of 6 and 17 will also be allowed 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.

Duque also announced that municipalities without confirmed COVID-19 cases will be allowed to start re-opening. However, large events remain banned and bars and clubs continue to be closed. Only one person per family will be allowed to shop for essential items or to carry out financial transactions. Individuals are required to wear masks in stores, banks, and on public transport, while restaurants will only be allowed to provide deliveries.

All land and sea borders remain shut and the country's airports are closed to international traffic until May 31.

As of May 5, 8613 cases of COVID-19 and 378 fatalities have been confirmed in the country. Further international spread of the virus is 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.