Colombia: Authorities introduce additional COVID-19 measures in Bogota, Cali, and Cartagena from June 1 /update 17

Event

Colombian authorities issued new measures on Saturday, May 30, for the three worst-affected cities amid the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, which include Bogotá, Cali, and Cartagena. The new measures come as the rest of the country begins to ease restrictions in place.

A nationwide quarantine was imposed in late March and on Thursday, May 28, the government extended the lockdown until July 1. These quarantine measures will continue in the three cities, and additional more stringent movement regulations should be anticipated in areas with security personnel enforcing measures. According to media sources, close monitoring and screening will take place in hot spots and key commercial areas and neighborhoods until at least Monday, June 15, in order to reduce community-based transmission.

Local officials will be able to erect barriers and close off the worst-affected areas, imposing additional confinement measures. Furthermore only essential businesses will be allowed to operate. Reports suggest that the Kennedy district in Bogotá has reportedly nearly 2500 cases of COVID-19. Authorities have closed off the district and will be imposing total movement restrictions until Monday, June 15, except for essential movement. Businesses which may have previously been allowed to operate, will be closed unless they are deemed essential.

As of June 2, there are 30,593 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Colombia and 1014 associated fatalities. Further international spread of the virus is to be 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 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.