COVID-19 raises multiple threats for Colombia

Subject

COVID-19 challenge.

Significance

The government ordered a nationwide lockdown on March 23 to slow the spread of COVID-19. Emergency measures have been implemented in an attempt to prevent economic collapse and mitigate human suffering from loss of income. While the health impact of the virus has been limited to date (Colombia has recorded 5,949 cases and 269 deaths so far), the risk of a rapid acceleration of cases is high.

Impacts

• Authorities face a race to secure the estimated 10,000 ventilators necessary to meet projected demand in the first stage of the outbreak.
• Disagreements over when to reopen businesses may cause further friction between the national and regional governments.
• Duque’s failure to reciprocate a unilateral ceasefire by the National Liberation Army in April further dashes hopes of renewed peace talks.