Guatemala: Government bans entry of European, Chinese, Korean, and Iranian citizens due to COVID-19 March 12 /update 2

Event

Guatemala's Ministry of Public Health announced that all citizens of Europe, China, South Korea, North Korea, and Iran will be prohibited from entering the country as of Thursday, March 12, in an effort to prevent coronavirus (COVID-19) from spreading into the country. There are currently no confirmed cases of the virus in Guatemala as of Wednesday, March 11. As a precautionary measure, Guatemalans returning from Europe will need to self-quarantine at home for at least seven days. Authorities have advised all Guatemalans to observe good personal hygiene to prevent the spread of any diseases.

Due to reported cases of COVID-19 in neighboring countries, President Alejandro Giammattei declared a "State of Public Calamity" for 30 days on Thursday, March 5, which allows authorities to take necessary measures to limit the spread of COVID-19. 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 (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.

Potentially impacted travelers are advised to monitor the situation, confirm travel itineraries, and adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities.

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.

Travelers returning from China, South Korea, Italy, and Iran who develop symptoms of pneumonia are advised to call emergency services before going to the doctor or hospital to prevent the potential spread of the disease.