BOGOTA – Colombia extended by two more weeks, until July 15, the mandatory preventive isolation throughout the country to contain the expansion of the coronavirus, although it will continue with a gradual reopening of the activities of the economy with high levels of security.
This is the sixth time that the Government has prolonged isolation, initially declared on March 25 throughout the country, which reports more than 77,113 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 2,491 deaths.
“I want to be very clear that the decision that we have taken is that the current conditions that we have of compulsory preventive isolation, where we are recovering a productive life, where progress is also being made in the opening of shops, will maintain the norm as it is today until July 15, ”said President Iván Duque.
In his daily radio and television program, the president warned that his Government will continue to take drastic measures jointly with mayors and governors to contain the expansion of COVID-19 “as necessary.”
The quarantine expired on July 1, although thousands of companies gradually resumed their activities with security protocols and reduced personnel.
The extension of quarantine maintains exceptions to 43 activities in order to maintain productivity in the context of the health emergency that will last until August 31.
Despite the extension of the mandatory isolation measure, one member may circulate for each family to buy food, medicine and carry out financial transactions in banks, as authorized with the first quarantine order.
Personnel working in health services, in the production of food, medicine, hydrocarbons, minerals, in the provision of transportation, telecommunications, and energy and drinking water supply may also continue to circulate.
Previously, the Government authorized the gradual reopening of construction, manufacturing, and some sectors of commerce.
However, the ban on massive public events continues, as well as the operation of bars, clubs and restaurants that can only attend addresses or orders to take home.
The fourth economy in Latin America contracted 20.06% in April, compared to the same month last year, due to the semi-paralysis of production caused by containment measures to contain the spread of the coronavirus.–MercoPress
