Venezuela: Authorities extend state of emergency until August 10 /update 8

Venezuelan authorities have extended the nationwide state of emergency until August 10 as a precaution to limit the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). This is the fourth time the state of emergency has been extended, and it grants President Maduro powers to implement orders governing the state's response to the pandemic.

Local quarantines and bans on interstate movement remain in place. Educational institutions and non-essential shops are to remain closed, and public gatherings are prohibited. Face masks must be worn at all times when not at home, and only one member per household is permitted to leave the house for essential purposes.

While international and domestic flights are expected to resume on Monday, July 13, the date for their resumption has previously been pushed back in line with the state of emergency.

As of Saturday, July 11, health authorities have confirmed 8803 COVID-19 cases and 83 associated deaths in Venezuela. 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 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, 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.