Honduras: Authorities extend nationwide curfew until July 12 /update 10

Event

The Government of Honduras announced on Monday, June 29, that the nationwide curfew has been extended until July 12 in addition to renewed vehicle circulation restrictions amid the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. The curfew remains in place between the hours of 17:00 and 09:00 (local time).

The Phase 1 reopening in San Pedro Sula and the Central District has been suspended after previously being authorized to reopen, non-essential businesses must remain closed.

Throughout several municipalities, vehicle circulation restrictions have been implemented, residents in Choloma Namasigue San Lorenzo, Choluteca Nueva Arcadia San Manuel, Distrito Central Omoa San Pedro Sula, El Progreso Pespire Siguatepeque, Goascorán Pimienta Santa Lucia FM, Juticalpa Potrerillos Santa Rosa de Copán, La Cieba Puerto Cortés Tocoa, La Lima Quimistán Trujillo, Nacaome Sabanagrande Valle de Ángeles FM and El Triunfo San Francisco de Yojoa Villanueva are only permitted to circulate for essential activities based on the last digit of their license plate number. Vehicles will be permitted to operate on alternating days based on weather the last digit of their license plate is odd or even.

All essential businesses will be open from 09:00 - 17:00 Monday to Friday, with people allowed to leave their residence for shopping on alternate days depending on the last digit of their national identity card or passport number.

As of Tuesday, June 30, health authorities have confirmed 18,818 COVID-19 cases and 485 associated deaths in the country. 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.