City Lockdown on 9-11 April Due to COVID-19 in Bogotá, Colombia

During the coming weekend (Saturday, Sunday and Monday), the residents of the city of Bogotá will be required to stay home in general quarantine. Only persons requiring strictly essential supplies, emergency health needs, and vaccinations are authorized to leave home. So far since the start of the pandemic, the city has noted almost 700,000 cases and 14,500 deaths. Occupancy of Intensive Care Units (ICU) has increased in recent weeks.

Visit our Health Library for more information on exposure to and the prevention of COVID -19.

At present, travellers should check with Sitata to determine if the country of destination has any COVID-19 requirements for entry into or exit from that country.

Travellers should avoid all travel to the areas or countries where large epidemics are underway. The World Health Organization (WHO), the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and other countries have issued the following general advice for travellers to reduce the risk of infection by this virus if travelling in or from affected areas:

• Avoid close contact with people suffering from acute respiratory infections. Avoid large public and private gatherings.

• Wear a mask (face covering) in public places and when social distancing is not possible.

• Wash hands frequently, especially after direct contact with ill people or their environment; use soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser if soap and water are not available.

• Travellers with symptoms of acute respiratory infection should practice cough etiquette (maintain distance, cover coughs and sneezes with disposable tissues or clothing, and wash hands).

• Older travellers and those with underlying health issues are at risk for more severe disease and if travel cannot be postponed, they should discuss travel with their healthcare provider.

• Seek medical attention immediately if symptoms develop after visiting these countries where transmission is occurring.

These recommendations may change on short notice.