What's the government response timeline for Venezuela?

Checking of travellers : mandatory form regarding where visitants have been https://www.plenglish.com/index.php?o=rn&id=51767&SEO=venezuela-imposes-entry-restrictions-over-coronavirus

Feb 3rd: Carlos Alvarado said that Venezuela will receive this week a diagnostic kit for the virus strain, handed over by the Pan-American Health Organization (PAHO). He indicated that those who arrive from abroad to Venezuela must submit their travel form and indicate which countries they have been visiting and if they feel any symptoms, to then be tested in the airport (Maiquetia International Airport). So it must have been in place by Feb 10th. ( https://www.plenglish.com/index.php?o=rn&id=51767&SEO=venezuela-imposes-entry-restrictions-over-coronavirus)

Stablishment of a national committee for corona, and public campaign to raise awareness https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oq0b_OzXV7w

"CARACAS (Reuters) - Venezuela President Nicolas Maduro said that all flights from Europe and Colombia would be suspended for a month over Coronavirus concerns during a live televised press conference on Thursday. [...] He said that public gatherings would also be suspended and that the government would be evaluating whether or not to suspend flights from other regions in the coming weeks." https://www.reuters.com/article/us-venezuela-pol/venezuelas-maduro-suspends-all-flights-from-europe-and-colombia-for-a-month-over-coronavirus-concerns-idUSKBN20Z2W9 I think that this should be coded as implemented on 12/03, but it's not clear which date the policy of cancelling public events was actually implemented.

12th March: Maduro announces public gatherings will be suspended. It doesn't state a size so I've coded this as <1000. https://www.reuters.com/article/us-venezuela-pol/venezuelas-maduro-suspends-all-flights-from-europe-and-colombia-for-a-month-over-coronavirus-concerns-idUSKBN20Z2W9

"I have decided to suspend for a month all flights from Europe and Colombia (...) We must be aware that the coronavirus not only threatens the health and life of the community, but also the world economy," [Maduro] added." https://www.periodistadigital.com/pd-america/20200312/dictador-nicolas-maduro-prohibe-manifestaciones-evitar-coronavirus-noticia-689404278621/

Lockdown declared March 13th. “Venezuelans are allowed to circulate only to purchase medicine, food, or other basic necessities, with all non-essential businesses obliged to remain closed” . Once virus was first detected, officials quickly ordered its 30 million residents to stay home” https://www.republicworld.com/world-news/rest-of-the-world-news/venezuela-extends-lockdown-for-30-days-amid-coronavirus-pandemic.html https://venezuelanalysis.com/news/14842 https://news4sanantonio.com/news/nation-world/the-latest-venezuela-extends-quarantine-additional-30-days https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-venezuela/venezuela-orders-collective-quarantine-in-response-to-coronavirus-idUSKBN2121C0 https://www.crisisgroup.org/latin-america-caribbean/andes/colombia/b24-broken-ties-frozen-borders-colombia-and-venezuela-face-covid-19 https://www.registercitizen.com/business/article/Venezuela-announces-price-controls-as-food-15226064.php

National lockdown tells people to stay at home unless for essential journeys. Military deployed to enforce this, suggesting any movement that was not for an essential journey would be restricted. Many people return to Venezuela from Colombia across the border and are placed in mandatory 14 day quarantine in poor living conditions. Lockdown declared March 13th. “Venezuelans are allowed to circulate only to purchase medicine, food, or other basic necessities, with all non-essential businesses obliged to remain closed” . https://venezuelanalysis.com/news/14842 https://www.crisisgroup.org/latin-america-caribbean/andes/colombia/b24-broken-ties-frozen-borders-colombia-and-venezuela-face-covid-19 https://venezuelanalysis.com/news/14835 https://www.republicworld.com/world-news/rest-of-the-world-news/venezuela-extends-lockdown-for-30-days-amid-coronavirus-pandemic.html https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(20)30718-2/fulltext

All schools with classes suspended until no further notice https://www.caraotadigital.net/nacionales/delcy-rodriguez-anuncio-suspension-de-clases-tras-llegada-del-coronavirus-a-venezuela

On Monday, a quarantine entered into force in Caracas, as well as in the states of La Guaira, Miranda, Cojedes, Apure, Zulia and Táchira.( https://www.expansion.com/economia/politica/2020/03/17/5e706fdfe5fdea6a038b46fd.html)

The President of Venezuela, Nicolás Maduro , ordered a "total quarantine" on Monday that will take effect from this Tuesday and that will be applied in the 23 states of the country to stop the expansion of the coronavirus. "I want to announce that starting tomorrow, Tuesday, March 17 at 5 in the morning, the entire Venezuela enters a social quarantine, the entire country, the 23 states and the capital district, all in the social quarantine, the collective quarantine". ( https://www.expansion.com/economia/politica/2020/03/17/5e706fdfe5fdea6a038b46fd.html)

The President of Venezuela, Nicolás Maduro , ordered a "total quarantine" on Monday that will take effect from this Tuesday and that will be applied in the 23 states of the country to stop the expansion of the coronavirus. "I want to announce that starting tomorrow, Tuesday, March 17 at 5 in the morning, the entire Venezuela enters a social quarantine, the entire country, the 23 states and the capital district, all in the social quarantine, the collective quarantine". (/web/20200406114602/ https://www.expansion.com/economia/politica/2020/03/17/5e706fdfe5fdea6a038b46fd.html)

'Collective quarantine' put in place, so coding this as a 10-100 person gathering restriction as there are not specific details regarding number of people allowed to gather. https://venezuelanalysis.com/news/14813

"Authorities will allow exceptions to the quarantine to allow for the functioning of transport, health and food delivery services." ( https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-health-coronavirus-venezuela/venezuela-orders-collective-quarantive-in-response-to-coronavirus-idUKKBN2121B8)

Quarantine in the whole country

"Local authorities have also instituted: • the suspension of all international and domestic flights from March 18, until further notice" From French Government website: https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/conseils-aux-voyageurs/conseils-par-pays-destination/venezuela/

President Nicolas Maduro’s government thanked its ally China for sending 4,000 diagnosis kits to test for the infection. (/web/20200406130347/ https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-health-coronavirus-venezuela/venezuela-lifts-coronavirus-cases-to-42-thanks-china-for-aid-idUKKBN2163GL) Testing capacity is centralized at the National Institute of Hygiene, the only institution able to test, so the number of tests are limited. ( https://www.nbcnews.com/news/latino/venezuela-faces-covid-19-outbreak-hospitals-times-lack-soap-water-n1163331)

Quarentine in Caracas and states La Guaira, Miranda, Cojedes, Apure, Zulia y Táchir. https://www.expansion.com/economia/politica/2020/03/17/5e706fdfe5fdea6a038b46fd.html

From March 22 and during the following six months banks must put the collection of credit payments on hold, telecommunications services would not be cut off, and rent payments for homes and businesses would be suspended (...) He [Nicolás Maduro] also banned companies from laying off employees through December 2020” https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-venezuela-idUSKBN21A02V Although the government has announced the implementation of the Comités Locales de Abastecimiento y Producción (CLAP), as a measure to counteract social necessities because of COVID-19, experts stated that the country has no capacity to finance it. The government also announced that they will assume the payment of payrolls for small and medium-sized companies for six months. Also, those that are “paying a mortgage will have the possibility to stop paying the installments to the bank, but the bank must assume how to modify and adapt the debt.” https://www.elnacional.com/economia/medidas-economicas-populistas-anunciadas-por-maduro-podrian-enterrar-al-sector-privado/

At the time of going to press, the outbreak is continuing to spread in Venezuela despite a military-enforced quarantine (The Lancet 28th March)”. https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(20)30718-2/fulltext

https://www.fox17online.com/news/venezuela-extends-nationwide-quarantine-for-another-30-days Once it was first detected, officials quickly ordered its 30 million residents to stay home, also suspending schools and international flights.

Under the restrictions, Venezuelans are allowed to circulate only to purchase medicine, food, or other basic necessities, with all non-essential businesses obliged to remain closed. https://venezuelanalysis.com/news/14842

Under the restrictions, Venezuelans are allowed to circulate only to purchase medicine, food, or other basic necessities, with all non-essential businesses obliged to remain closed. https://venezuelanalysis.com/news/14842

Economic activities exempted from the mandatory quarantine include essential oil operations, food distribution, health and security services and public transportation.

Establishment of a national committee for corona, and public campaign to raise awareness https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oq0b_OzXV7w

April 11 Lockdown extended by President Nicolas Maduro for 30 more days until May 13. https://www.republicworld.com/world-news/rest-of-the-world-news/venezuela-extends-lockdown-for-30-days-amid-coronavirus-pandemic.html

The government claims tests are generally available to everyone thanks to tests sent by China, but the Pan American Health Organization suggests that's unlikely considering the current crisis the country is experiencing. Source: https://www.infobae.com/america/agencias/2020/04/18/las-pruebas-de-coronavirus-en-venezuela-plantean-dudas/

Government implemented a national lockdown on 16th March which implies no public events.” The measure limits movement and commercial activity in all of the 23 states and the Capital District of Caracas. The armed forces and the National Bolivarian Police are charged with enforcing the quarantine, which applies to all citizens with the exception of those employed in food production and distribution, transport, security, healthcare, and the press” “Difficult for Venezuelans to stay home for weeks on end, as many of them depend on daily wages to survive.” https://venezuelanalysis.com/news/14813 https://www.csis.org/analysis/venezuela-needs-help-combat-covid-19

"Vast gasoline shortages are taking a toll on already fragile supply chains, disrupting food deliveries and public transportation everywhere. The situation is likely to continue: there are few signs of long-term relief for local refineries." I can't find any information to suggest any government policies limiting public transport though. ( https://www.yahoo.com/news/riots-erupt-venezuela-countryside-due-162014663.html)

April 25 Despite a six-week lockdown ordered by the government, more than 500 protests have been registered nationwide this month, in some cases resulting in looting and violence, as food and fuel become scarce. https://news.yahoo.com/venezuela-announces-price-controls-food-231527859.html

Total curfew until May 12. Source: https://as.com/diarioas/2020/05/04/actualidad/1588623341_135933.html

Under the restrictions imposed since March 17, Venezuelans are allowed to circulate only to purchase medicine, food, or other basic necessities, with all non-essential businesses obliged to remain closed. The curfew has been extended until May 12. https://as.com/diarioas/2020/05/04/actualidad/1588623341_135933.html https://as.com/diarioas/2020/05/04/actualidad/1588623341_135933.html

National lockdown force people to stay at home unless for essential journeys. The curfew has been extended until May 12. Source: https://as.com/diarioas/2020/05/04/actualidad/1588623341_135933.html

Total curfew until May 12. Under the restrictions, Venezuelans are allowed to circulate only to purchase medicine, food, or other basic necessities, with all non-essential businesses obliged to remain closed. Source: https://as.com/diarioas/2020/05/04/actualidad/1588623341_135933.html

Establishment of a national committee for corona, and public campaign to raise awareness https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oq0b_OzXV7w

Since March 17, a total curfew has been implemented. Meetings/gatherings are forbidden, but there are not specific details regarding number of people allowed to gather. The curfew has been extended until May 12. Source: https://as.com/diarioas/2020/05/04/actualidad/1588623341_135933.html

Public transport is not closed, but measures of social distancing have been introduced for regulating the service. Measures are not observed by citizens. Source: https://elpitazo.net/pitazo-en-la-calle/distanciamiento-social-se-incumple-en-mercados-y-transporte-publico/

Source: https://www.france24.com/es/20200504-migrantes-refugiados-afectados-covid19-pandemia-coronavirus

Measures for the next 6 months were announced in March. https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-venezuela-idUSKBN21A02V On May the government issued Decree No. 4,194, declaring the State of Exception and Economic Emergency, throughout the national territory, in order for the National Executive to take urgent, effective, exceptional and necessary measures to ensure the full enjoyment of the population of their rights, preserve internal order, timely access to goods, services, food, medicine and other essential products for life. See Art 10 and 11. https://pandectasdigital.blogspot.com/2020/05/decreto-n-4194-mediante-el-cual-se. html

See Art. 7. https://pandectasdigital.blogspot.com/2020/05/decreto-n-4198-de-fecha-12-de-mayo-de.html On May 12th president Maduro addressed the nation, calling them to abide by the law and not to "relax" curfew measures ( See 4:40 and 12:03). https://videos.telesurtv.net/video/822406/venezuela-registra-un-solo-caso-de-covid-19-en-las-ultimas-24-horas/

The "Guideline for management and treatment of Covid-19 patients and contacts" (24/4/20) states that PCR tests should be performed on: suspect cases, patients before hospital/quarantine discharge, a/symptomatic contacts of confirmed cases, people who enter the country and probable cases (See page 3). Priority should be given to severe cases, people with comorbidities, pregnant women and healthcare workers (See page 4). https://drive.google.com/file/d/1yrv5ec-LAdelzvTIf1RIhstTIduxEp3C/view See "ESQUEMA TERAPÉUTICO ESPECÍFICO PARA TRATAMIENTO DE PACIENTE" in http://www.mpps.gob.ve/index.php/sistemas/descargas

See Art. 12. https://pandectasdigital.blogspot.com/2020/05/decreto-n-4198-de-fecha-12-de-mayo-de.html

See Art 8 and 9. https://pandectasdigital.blogspot.com/2020/05/decreto-n-4198-de-fecha-12-de-mayo-de.html

See Art. 12 https://pandectasdigital.blogspot.com/2020/05/decreto-n-4198-de-fecha-12-de-mayo-de.html

The Government has organised disinfection sessions of public spaces and public transport http://www.pcivil.gob.ve/?p=5041

82.000 new PCR tests arrived to the country from China. http://www.mpps.gob.ve/index.php/sala-de-prensa/notnac/488-mas-de-46-toneladas-de-insumos-medicos-arribaron-al-pais-a-traves-del-puente-aereo-china-venezuela

According to Art.24 contacts should comply with quarantine measures. It also states that MoH will notify them of their condition. However, there is no definition of the modality used for contact tracing or of its scope. w https://pandectasdigital.blogspot.com/2020/05/decreto-n-4198-de-fecha-12-de-mayo-de.html

Although there is no specific number, President Maduro has insisted during the last week on the need to avoid all types of gatherings. http://mppre.gob.ve/2020/05/10/medidas-decretadas-frenar-avance-covid-19-pais-mantienen-vigentes/ https://pandectasdigital.blogspot.com/2020/05/decreto-n-4198-de-fecha-12-de-mayo-de.html The president addressed ministers and local leaders who have organised public events. https://web.archive.org/watch?v=wPgGIirIO4M

See Art 7. https://pandectasdigital.blogspot.com/2020/05/decreto-n-4198-de-fecha-12-de-mayo-de.html

Only security, health, MP, communications and food workers, and other public officials, are authorized to enter the metro system in Caracas, and it is mandatory to present professional ID. https://twitter.com/metro_caracas

The Government announced that land borders with Brasil and air and maritime borders with Aruba were open as from today. All the other borders remain closed. http://vicepresidencia.gob.ve/venezuela-reabre-fronteras-con-brasil-y-aruba/

President Maduro has ordered a door-to-door screening, using 1 million diagnostic tests. http://www.presidencia.gob.ve/Site/Web/Principal/paginas/classMostrarEvento3.php?id_evento=15747

The Venezuelan government has not made any change to the current school closing policy. Schools are still close in the whole country. https://en.unesco.org/covid19/educationresponse

June 01: The country adopted the strategy 5x10, which consists of 5 business days and 10 of quarantine. Some of the sectors benefited for the measure are transport, finance, textil, among others. http://vicepresidencia.gob.ve/venezuela-inicia-nueva-fase-de-normalidad-relativa-y-controlada-bajo-el-metodo-5x10/

Public events are still banned, since the restrictions on gatherings are still in place. No changes were found.

The prohibition of large gatherings is still in place. No changes were found. https://data.unicef.org/resources/rapid-situation-tracking-covid-19-socioeconomic-impacts-data-viz/

June 01: Reopening of public transportation. Under the new phase, 5x10, the public transportation system will be operate normally with sanitary restrictions. http://vicepresidencia.gob.ve/sector-transporte-garantiza-movilidad-del-pueblo-durante-nueva-fase-de-normalidad-relativa-y-controlada/ http://vicepresidencia.gob.ve/sector-transporte-garantiza-movilidad-del-pueblo-durante-nueva-fase-de-normalidad-relativa-y-controlada/

: No changes found.

June 01: Reopening of public transportation. Under the new phase, 5x10, the public transportation system will be operate normally with sanitary restrictions. http://vicepresidencia.gob.ve/sector-transporte-garantiza-movilidad-del-pueblo-durante-nueva-fase-de-normalidad-relativa-y-controlada/

The international travel restrictions are still in place. No changes were found. https://data.unicef.org/resources/rapid-situation-tracking-covid-19-socioeconomic-impacts-data-viz/

No measures for income support were found.

Aside from the ones reported previously, no additional measures for debt and contract relief for households were found.

June 01: Under the new quarantine phase, business that reopened must have a visual information to identify their level of risk: green: yellow, red. http://vicepresidencia.gob.ve/sector-transporte-garantiza-movilidad-del-pueblo-durante-nueva-fase-de-normalidad-relativa-y-controlada/

No changes in the testing policies were found.

No changes in the contact tracing policy were found.

The "flexibilización 7+7" started on June 15. The "flexibilización" consists of a return to a 'normalidad relativa": gyms, shops and various sectors are allowed to function, provided they follow certain sanitary requirements. https://eldiario.com/2020/06/13/cuales-son-los-sectores-que-se-incorporan-en-el-plan-de-flexibilizacion/

The "flexibilización 7+7" started on June 15 and applies to the transport sector. https://eldiario.com/2020/06/13/cuales-son-los-sectores-que-se-incorporan-en-el-plan-de-flexibilizacion/

The "flexibilización" consists of a return to a 'normalidad relativa". Vulnerable and at-risk populations are advised to stay at home. https://www.prensa-latina.cu/index.php?o=rn&id=370258&SEO=flexibilizacion-de-la-cuarentena-inicia-el-1-de-junio-en-venezuela

In some states, Venezuela implements a full quarantine again (instead of 7+7 flexibilisation). In La Guaira, Miranda, Aragua, Lara, Zulia, Táchira, Bolívar, Trujillo y Apure, and Caracas, only essential sectors of the economy will be functioning. "Venezuela anunció este sábado que radicalizará su cuarentena en nueve estados y Caracas a partir del próximo lunes y que cerrará de nuevo su economía no esencial para hacer frente a la expansión del nuevo coronavirus (...) Estas medidas especiales de confinamiento tendrán vigor en los estados La Guaira, Miranda, Aragua, Lara, Zulia, Táchira, Bolívar, Trujillo y Apure, así como en la capital Caracas, y están diseñadas, dijo Rodríguez, para frenar la propagación de la COVID-19 en el país." https://www.larepublica.ec/blog/internacional/2020/06/21/venezuela-anuncia-medidas-extremas-contra-covid-19/

In regions where the flexibilisation was abandoned and a strict quarantine implemented, the metro and main roads will be closed. "Las medidas de cuarentena radical incluyen el cierre del Metro de Caracas y la suspensión de todo el transporte público, así como la prohibición de circulación en las principales carreteras" https://www.larepublica.ec/blog/internacional/2020/06/21/venezuela-anuncia-medidas-extremas-contra-covid-19/

Some regions are under strict confinement: La Guaira, Miranda, Aragua, Lara, Zulia, Táchira, Bolívar, Trujillo y Apure, and Caracas. "Estas medidas especiales de confinamiento tendrán vigor en los estados La Guaira, Miranda, Aragua, Lara, Zulia, Táchira, Bolívar, Trujillo y Apure, así como en la capital Caracas, y están diseñadas, dijo Rodríguez, para frenar la propagación de la COVID-19 en el país." https://www.larepublica.ec/blog/internacional/2020/06/21/venezuela-anuncia-medidas-extremas-contra-covid-19/

In regions where the flexibilisation was abandoned and a strict quarantine implemented, the metro and main roads will be closed. "Las medidas de cuarentena radical incluyen el cierre del Metro de Caracas y la suspensión de todo el transporte público, así como la prohibición de circulación en las principales carreteras" https://www.larepublica.ec/blog/internacional/2020/06/21/venezuela-anuncia-medidas-extremas-contra-covid-19/

Strict quarantine is prolonged in some regions while other enter a 'flexibilisation' week. http://archive.today/2020.07.22-123104/ https://www.notimerica.com/politica/noticia-coronavirus-venezuela-inicia-flexibilizacion-cuarentena-tres-niveles-pide-cumplir-medidas-20200714033107.html

Strict quarantine is prolonged in some regions while other enter a 'flexibilisation' week. http://archive.today/2020.07.22-123104/ https://www.notimerica.com/politica/noticia-coronavirus-venezuela-inicia-flexibilizacion-cuarentena-tres-niveles-pide-cumplir-medidas-20200714033107.html

As of August 3rd, schools in Venezuela still remain closed.

"Local authorities have recently moved on to an alternating lockdown/flexible scheme where during a “flexible week” certain specific economic sectors are allowed to operate limited hours; on a “lockdown week” only essential businesses and medical services remain operational." https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/venezuela/coronavirus

"Public gatherings are prohibited and people have been instructed to wear face covering at all times when outside." https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/venezuela/coronavirus

in caracas, supervision operations are carried out in public transport to verify compliance with the resolution that establishes a maximum occupancy of passengers up to 60 percent of their capacity and the separation of a seat between them inside the vehicle. http://archive.today/2020.07.22-122448/ https://www.prensa-latina.cu/index.php?o=rn&id=383547&SEO=gobierno-de-venezuela-intensifica-medidas-de-bioseguridad-en-caracas

"Only one member per family is allowed to go outside of their home to access supermarkets/pharmacies." all outings are banned but for essential purpose. https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/venezuela/coronavirus

"Authorities have announced social/community-wide quarantine and bans on inter-state travel with roadblocks in place.Inter-state travel requires a special permit or “salvoconducto” to be issued by the respective regional REDI or ZODI authorities." https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/venezuela/coronavirus

On 12 August, the National Institute of Civil Aeronautics (Inac) announced that the current restrictions on flight operations, including the ban on commercial flights, will be extended until 12 September. Domestic and international commercial flights are meant to progressively re-start from 13 September 2020 onwards. Sources: Inac's communiqué (Spanish) https://twitter.com/InacVzla/status/1293660932565086210 UK Embassy website - Venezuela travel advice https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/venezuela/coronavirus

Continued information website dedicated to COVID-19. Link: https://presidenciave.com/coronavirus/

No new information found.

The President proposed to have a debate about opening schools in October. Link: https://ultimasnoticias.com.ve/noticias/mas-vida/maduro-propone-debate-nacional-sobre-el-retorno-presencial-a-clases/