COVID-19 Spreading in Latin America... Confirmed Cases Surpass 100

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] COVID-19, which was known to have started spreading the latest in Latin America, is rapidly spreading, with confirmed cases exceeding 100. There are concerns that the damage from COVID-19 in Latin American countries with weak quarantine systems will further expand.

According to foreign media such as the AP News on the 10th (local time), Brazil's cumulative confirmed COVID-19 cases increased by 9 from the previous day to 34. In Panama, where the first confirmed case and death occurred, the number of confirmed cases increased to 8 in one day. More than 130 confirmed cases were reported in 12 Latin American countries including Argentina with 19 cases, Ecuador with 15, and Costa Rica with 13. Most of the confirmed cases are people who have traveled overseas to Europe or other regions or close contacts of incoming travelers, but there are concerns that the spread will accelerate once community transmission begins.

Latin American countries are simultaneously strengthening border quarantine and implementing measures such as suspending events and performances and ordering school closures. The Paraguayan government has suspended school classes for 15 days starting today and banned events such as concerts and gatherings where crowds gather. Activities in enclosed places such as movie theaters and theaters have also been suspended. Panama will block sports games, performances, and festivals until the 7th of next month and will also suspend school classes in some areas. Costa Rica has also suspended events where many people gather, including performances and local festivals, for the next two weeks, and announced that sports games will be held without spectators.

Three countries?El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras?that have not yet reported confirmed cases have strengthened customs clearance with neighboring countries. El Salvador decided to require passports from citizens of Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua to prevent virus inflow through immigrants. These four countries have an open border agreement. Guatemala also decided not to allow immigrants with abnormal symptoms to pass through after fever checks at the border. Honduras announced that it will not accept its nationals deported from Mexico by air for the time being, citing the lack of quarantine facilities at the airport.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.