Guatemala: New COVID-19 restrictions introduced April 12, nationwide curfew extended until April 19 /update 8

Event

On Sunday, April 12, Guatemalan authorities announced the extension of a nationwide curfew until Sunday, April 19, to curb the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in the country. All movement will continue to be restricted nightly between 16:00 and 04:00 (local time). Exceptions will be made for essential personnel, including police, private security, medical professionals, and food-delivery drivers. Grocery stores will be closed during the abovementioned hours. The curfew has been in place since Sunday, March 15.

On Sunday, Guatemalan authorities also introduced new restrictions to curb the spread of COVID-19 in the country. People are now required to comply with social-distancing rules, requiring people to stay at least 1.5 m (4.9 ft) apart and utilize face masks in all public spaces. Breaking these regulations may result in heavy fines. They further stated that all international and domestic flights will remain suspended until Thursday, April 30, with the exception of certain humanitarian, medical, or official flights, which need prior authorization from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Domestic restrictions on movement introduced on Sunday, April 5, have also been extended until Monday, April 20, meaning that all travel across Guatemala's departments remains prohibited. Additionally, all recreational activities will be barred during this period, as will the sale and consumption of alcohol.

As of April 13, 155 cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed in Guatemala, as well as five associated fatalities. 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 (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 COVID-19 a pandemic.

Pneumonia symptoms include dry cough, chest pain, fever, and labored 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.