Colombia: Health workers protest in Bogotá on April 1 amid COVID-19 quarantine measures /update 6

Event

Health workers gathered in Bogotá on Wednesday, April 1, in order to show their support for colleagues and protest what they say are salary delays amid the global coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Escorted by police officers, participants drove ambulances through the capital, stopping in front of a clinic in northern Bogotá to applaud colleagues inside. Health professionals in other cities have also denounced late salary payments. There are over 1000 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Colombia, and 17 people have died of the disease.

A nationwide quarantine is in place until April 13, requiring people to remain at home except to work in essential services, shop for food and medicine, and attend medical appointments, among other exceptions. The government has not ruled out extending the quarantine period.

Further spread of COVID-19 is likely in the near term, along with associated protests. 

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 virus.