Coronavirus in Antigua, Guatemala

By bajasur

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Coronavirus Update March 27, 2020

People are staying home most of the time, streets not crowded. went to the supermercado this morning. Had an attendant at the door making sure people used the hand sanitizer they provided. Can not go in if not using the sanitizer. National Curfew of 8 days from 4 pm to 4 am started 3/22/20. If you're on the street, driving, you are arrested and jailed 15-30 days. To date over 3,000 Guatemalans in jail for the curfew violation. The President of Guatemala is taking this very seriously. One hospital for confirmed cases, (700 beds with ventilators)

Mar 16, 2020 Update

We Asked: What is currently happening with regard to the Coronavirus outbreak in your area? Please provide as much detail as possible. He replied...

Here in Guatemala the government has cancelled all flights into the country from the US and Canada. Also. cancelled all flights out of Guatemala to the US or Canada. Another also, people with US or Canadian passports cannot come into Guatemala. Another also, all countries boarding Guatemala now have closed boarders for anyone, no matter what country they are from. So I guess you could say I'm quarantined because I can't leave Guatemala, not that I want to.

Government Response with Regard to Expats

We Asked: Describe how your home country's government has handled the outbreak situation with regards to its expatriate citizens. He replied...

The US has done nothing. The US State Department sends out information that is 5 days old.

Supplies and Shortages

We Asked: Is there a shortage of supplies in your location? He replied...

Right now, no.

Public Healthcare & Public Hospitals

We Asked: Are you enrolled in the public healthcare system where you live? Do you feel that the public hospitals are handling or preparing for the Coronavirus outbreak effectively? He replied...

No and yes

Private Health Insurance & Private Hospitals

We Asked: Do you have private health insurance? If you have private insurance, does this give you access to private hospitals? Are private hospitals or clinics better prepared, less prepared, or the same? Please explain. He replied...

no

Returning Home

We Asked: Are you considering returning to your home country due to the Coronavirus? Would this be a temporary move or a permanent repatriation? Please explain. He replied...

I can't leave Guatemala for my home country. Guatemala is shut down travelwise.