People wearing masks walk past a museum in Santiago, Chile, March 20, 2020. (Photo by Jorge Villegas/Xinhua)
In face of the rising confirmed cases, many countries in Latin America have imposed quarantines to stop the COVID-19 spread.
MEXICO CITY, March 21 (Xinhua) -- Many countries in Latin America have imposed quarantines to stop the COVID-19 spread, as more and more confirmed cases were reported.
Bolivia with 19 confirmed cases announced on Sunday that it will enter a "total quarantine" for 14 days.
In Brazil, one of the hardest-hit countries in the region, the number of cases rose to 1,128 on Saturday, with 18 deaths.
In the 26 Brazilian states hit by the virus, Sao Paulo, the worst-hit one, has confirmed 459 cases and 15 deaths. As a result, authorities on Saturday ordered a quarantine and a halt to most economic activities for 15 days.
Venezuela reported on Saturday that 70 cases have been confirmed in the country and 15 people have recovered, with no local cases.
Calling on people to abide by the nationwide quarantine to curb the pandemic, the government said that hospital beds are guaranteed for all patients.
Passengers wearing face masks are seen at the Ministro Pistarini International Airport in Ezeiza, Argentina, March 12, 2020. (Xinhua/Martin Zabala)
In Argentina, which has reported 158 cases, authorities said that the government is "inflexible" on the mandatory quarantine ordered to stop the COVID-19 spread.
"It is a measure that will last for less time if we follow it well. Whether the date is extended or not will be up to us," said Minister of Security Sabina Frederic.
Costa Rican President Carlos Alvarado said on Saturday that 117 cases have been confirmed in the country, adding that only four new cases have been found since Friday.
The government of Chile announced the country's first death from the virus and a total of 537 cases in the country as of Saturday.
Officials said that "around 100 people" are infected every day despite the closure of its borders and shopping centers, as well as the suspension of classes.
Cuba reported 21 confirmed cases on Saturday, with 716 people being under health surveillance.
In Peru, where the number of cases has reached 318, 4,985 citizens nationwide have been tested for the virus.
Authorities in Ecuador, which has reported seven deaths and 532 cases, said that the country will receive 2 million COVID-19 testing kits on Monday.
Colombian President Ivan Duque on Saturday promised that his government will guarantee food supplies during quarantines, as 196 people have been infected in the country. ■
