Ecuador: State of emergency extended for 60 days on June 16 /update 12

Event

The Ecuadorian government announced on Tuesday, June 16, that the current state of emergency would be extended for a further 60 days to curb the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Under the state of emergency, the use of face masks remains mandatory in public spaces. Fines may be given to those who do not comply with the measures. All public gatherings (including sporting events and entertainment centers) and all inter-provincial travel remain prohibited. Schools also remain closed nationwide. Those over the age of 60, or anyone who has been designated as vulnerable to COVID-19, is to undergo mandatory self-isolation.

On May 4, the government introduced a new phase of social distancing to loosen up restrictions progressively according to the situation in each location. The system has three levels: red, amber, and green. The government announced changes to the measures under each level, starting June 1. Click here for a full list of measures associated with each level.

Reports state that there is a high demand in the capital, Quito, for public hospital beds and intensive care units, as new cases continue to rise. Despite this, Quito remains a designated 'amber' zone, meaning that an overnight curfew remains between 21:00 and 05:00 (local time), among other restrictions.

As of June 16, authorities have confirmed 47,943 cases of COVID-19 and 3,970 associated deaths in Ecuador. 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 (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 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 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, and difficulty breathing, seek medical care urgently and share your previous travel history with your health care provider.