Bolivia: COVID-19 restrictions eased from June 1 /update 11

Event

On Monday, June 1, the Bolivian government announced that local governments could begin easing of some restrictions introduced due to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). As of Monday, the departments of Chuquisaca, Cochabamba, Pando, and Oruro, have allowed the public to return to work and have reopened most shops. Authorities in these areas also authorized the use of private vehicles, in addition to the use of public transport with hygiene and social distancing measures in place. As of Monday, restrictions, whereby members of the public were only permitted to leave their homes on certain days corresponding to the numbers on their identity cards, are no longer in place. Members of the public will be permitted to leave their homes between 05:00 and 18:00 (local time) Monday to Friday. On Saturdays and Sundays, the public will be permitted to exercise by walking or cycling between 06:00 and 14:00 for a maximum distance of five blocks from their address. Authorities stated that social distancing and the use of facemasks are mandatory for all public activity. Religious services may also be held at a reduced capacity. These measures will remain in place until, June 30.

Bolivia's borders remain closed as of Friday, June 5, and international flights remain suspended until June 30.

As of June 5, health authorities confirmed a total of 12, 245 cases of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and 415 associated fatalities nationwide.

The 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 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, and difficulty breathing, seek medical care urgently and share your previous travel history with your health care provider.