Ecuador: Over 30,000 cases of COVID-19 confirmed in country as of May 13 /update 9

Event

As of Wednesday, May 13, Ecuadorian health officials have recorded 30,419 confirmed coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases and 2327 associated deaths. The Ministry of Health reported the number of cases as well as stating that 85,223 test samples have been taken to track the presence of COVID-19 in the country. The ongoing state of emergency remains in effect nationwide until Monday, June 15.

A nationwide vehicle rationing system was put into place as of early May: license plates ending in 1 and 2 can circulate on Mondays. License plates ending in 3 and 4 can circulate on Tuesdays. License plates ending in 5 and 6 can circulate on Wednesday. License plates ending in 7 and 8 can circulate on Thursdays. License plates ending in 9 and 0 can circulate on Fridays. No private cars may circulate on Saturdays and Sundays.

Public gatherings and events are suspended through the end of May. Classes remain suspended. All international arrivals to Ecuador by air were suspended and all foreign nationals, as well as Ecuadorians, have been barred from entering the country via any of its air, land, or sea border crossings since Sunday, March 15.

Other public areas such as gyms, cinemas, theaters, and other entertainment venues are subject to restrictions. Grocery stores, pharmacies, and other essential businesses remain open. Restaurants are open as well, though only for take-out service.

Further international spread of the virus 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. 

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