Coronavirus in Colombia: Snapshot of Coronavirus on April 1

1. 

   Marc August 23, 2021

   Hello,

   Is it true that you have to wear a mask Everywhere? Even if you are walking around outside?

   Are people really doing it?

   And if its true, is There any chances to be lifted soon? I am fully vaccinated, so I am willing to visit Colombia without wearing a mask outside.

   Thank you
• 

  Jeff August 23, 2021

  Yes, a mask is required when you leave the home and unlikely to be lifted anytime soon.
2. 

   Ron Rezek August 22, 2021

   Are monoclonal antibody treatments generally available if one were to become ill in Medellin?
3. 

   Joseph Muto August 21, 2021

   Hi Jeff,

   I wanted to visit Medellin 2nd week of September but cannot find any updated info on movement restrictions/curfews. Are businesses/bars/restaurants open? I imagine yes, but what are the stop times, etc. Any info would be much appreciated!
• 

  Jeff August 21, 2021

  There are no restrictions/curfews in Medellín. Yes, restaurants/bars are open.
• 

  Desyn August 22, 2021

  What is the closing time for restaurants and bars these days Jeff?
• 

  Jeff August 22, 2021

  Depends on the restaurant and bar and the day of the week. Some restaurants to 9 or 10 pm. Bars can be open much later.
• 

  Rich September 1, 2021

  thanks so much, is there any government site to keep up with that has curfew info?
4. 

   Arriendos en Medellin August 17, 2021

   Currently the situation has improved a little with the advance of vaccination, even so there is still much to be done.
5. 

   Nick August 5, 2021

   Does anyone know if the requirement for travel insurance for visitors to Colombia also include that the policy have Covid Coverage? The reason I ask is some insurance companies seem to now require a vaccination for Covid coverage, completely insane considering the vaccinated are getting Covid as well. Can you recommend an insurance company that offers Covid coverage but NOT insist on the vaccine?

   Please, no vaccination debates, no ones mind will change. Nor will the fact that I am in very good health and at very low risk and do not need this experimental drug. Especially after seeing two fully vaccinated, elderly neighbors who were in excellent health hauled out of my building in the last two weeks in body bags.

   Pure coincidence of course!! LOL Besides, if it works and you are vaccinated? Why worry?
• 

  Jeff August 6, 2021

  There is no requirement for travel insurance for tourists to Colombia. And the travel insurance sold by the insurance agent we partnered with includes COVID-19 coverage – https://medellinguru.com/travel-insurance/
• 

  Nick August 7, 2021

  Super Jeff, thank you, you will see a new paying patron to your site soon. The answers I got on this were all over the map and the government sites never mentioned this requirement, but I didn’t take that as an answer.
6. 

   Eric August 4, 2021

   Hello,
   Had anything changed for travel to bogota? I am vaccinated but do I need to provide a pcr test or anything else?
• 

  Jeff August 4, 2021

  No test is needed, a PCR test has not been needed for travel to Colombia since early June – see our article – https://medellinguru.com/colombia-require-covid-19-test/
7. 

   GATO July 26, 2021

   ICU utilization still over 90%.

   In Bogota (saluddata.saludcapital.gov.co), its dropping rapidly. just went from red to orange 72%
8. 

   Adriana Gutierrez July 20, 2021

   Do we know hat is the dominant Covid variant in Colombia? What is the status of Delta and Lambda?
9. 

   Jesse July 15, 2021

   I read there was a law passed allowing private purchase and sale of vaccines. Do you have any info on the (upcoming?) availability of paid vaccines avaialble for non-residents?
• 

  Jeff July 15, 2021

  Businesses can buy vaccines but must vaccinate for free – so only for employees not meant for sale, see – https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/colombia-allow-private-imports-covid-19-vaccine-shots-must-be-free-2021-04-05/
• 

  Jesse July 15, 2021

  Ah okay so basically not happening in the forseable future.
10. 

    Mike June 28, 2021

    I was planning on spending a month in Medellin in May of 2020 (before COVID hit), and ended up cancelling the trip. I have since re-booked it and am planning to come for the month of September. From what I’m seeing, travel is possible for US citizens right now without mandatory quarantine or negative test (I am also fully vaccinated).

    Assuming the condition improves over the next couple months and vaccines continue in Colombia, do you think travel will remain possible? And is there anything you think I should know (COVID and travel-wise) prior to heading down?

    Thanks for your detailed coverage of this situation, it is very helpful!
11. 

    Geoffrey June 11, 2021

    I know of two cases where an elderly person got the virus and died without ever leaving the house. Each of them lived with one other person of about the same age who did not get sick and showed no signs of the virus. It’s a shame. I saw this elderly man walking down the street looking so sad and I knew something was wrong. A neighbor who knew him showered him with affectionate greetings and it seemed to lift his spirits. Later she told me that his wife of many years just died of the virus. It’s so real and so final for so many people.
• 

  Sin Nombre June 12, 2021

  No signs of Covid and just died? C’mon, that is absolute nonsense.
12. 

    TaffyUK June 8, 2021

    Dan/Will,

    The ONLY reason some Asian Countries have less Corona is they are in lockdowns and in and out of them, AND still are.

    As soon as they open, the infections will go up, as they have been doing.

    The masks DO NOT stop aerosols droplets (only a proper gas mask will), bound to get the odd one stuck on there, but not many.

    They will stop larger droplets, but they don’t matter as they fall to the floor.

    Look it up in medical websites, I don’t pay much attention to what somebody from China says, full of lies and bullshit that Country.

    BUT if you are wearing a mask, the above is now on the mask, people constantly touch it, spreading it around more.

    As to educating, you can educate them on how to take it on and off.

    BUT it will still be touched constantly as its an irritant.

    Only ONE option, stay away from people.

    This whole mask wearing thing is a SAD joke.
• 

  Jeff June 8, 2021

  According to CDC, there is Evidence for Effectiveness of Masks – see – https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/cloth-face-cover-guidance.html

  The bottom line, wearing masks are better than nothing, if everyone is wearing them like in Colombia.
• 

  Will June 9, 2021

  You’re right – staying away from people is the only guaranteed way to stop transmission.

  But there are several advantages to living in Medellin when it comes to reducing the risk of infection: good ventilation because the temperature is always nice so the majority of buildings are designed to allow constant airflow/ventilation.

  The strong UV light both kills virus particles in the air and produces vitamin D in the body by skin exposure (be careful not to burn!) Vitamin D has been shown to help with respiratory infections.

  And people wear masks, which does have some affect at stoping droplets, I’ve even seen some people double up with a fabric mask on top. Yes it takes a bit of self-control to get used to wearing a mask but I think most people are ok with wearing one.

  Everything helps. They are now talking about the ‘Swiss chess model’ to explain how to combat the virus https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/resources/idt-40ac92b1-1750-4e86-9936-2cda6b0acb3f
• 

  Jeff June 10, 2021

  We agree with you.
• 

  Will June 10, 2021

  Shame I can’t spell cheese! I’ve been playing too much chess recently, it’s evidently on my mind ?
13. 

    Mark June 6, 2021

    Omg . There isn’t one medically controlled study in human history showing masks stop any virus. Comical . Just the opposite. They are dangerous. How would you explain US states in most cases lower rates of the flu and masked states ?
• 

  TaffyUK June 7, 2021

  Mark,

  I agree, the masks are a waste of time.

  I stood in a bank line in April 2020 here in Medellin, I watched the amount of time that people were touching them.

  My view is they aid the spread of Coronavirus.

  NOTE: For 4 years I worked on inspecting equipment that protected you against aerosol particles.

  Only mask that will protect you is a gas mask, with the screw on filter box changed regularly.
• 

  Dan June 7, 2021

  Sorry you are wrong. As the article above says … George Gao, Director-General of the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) even said:

  The big mistake in the U.S. and Europe, in my opinion, is that people aren’t wearing masks. This virus is transmitted by droplets and close contact. Droplets play a very important role—you’ve got to wear a mask, because when you speak, there are always droplets coming out of your mouth. Many people have asymptomatic or pre-symptomatic infections. If they are wearing face masks, it can prevent droplets that carry the virus from escaping and infecting others.
• 

  Will June 7, 2021

  I agree Dan, the point of wearing a mask is to protect others. If everyone wears a mask then you are also protected.

  I also agree with TaffyUK that people shouldn’t touch their masks or faces with unwashed hands.

  It seems more education is needed but on the whole I’ve felt reassured by the amount of people who wear masks in Medellin, and the hand cleaning in shops and restaurants.
14. 

    Norm May 18, 2021

    Thank you, Jeff, for all the hard work you do keeping expats informed.

    I am now fully vaccinated and am just waiting for Europe to open, so I can return to traveling.

    2020 was the worst year of my life, like a prison sentence, but in a bit nicer jail with better food (courtesy of Rappi). At age 72, nothing is more valuable than time.

    I booked a non-refundable trip to Cartagena for May 28th to May 31st. First time there, first tine on an airplane since 2019. Figuring that with Medellín and the U.S. returning to normal, things might be similar in Cartagena. Being fully vaccinated makes a huge difference.

    Now I have been told that the weekend I will be in Cartagena, the curfew is back and starts at 2 PM. Is this true?

    Why is Colombia so slow in getting its population vaccinated? These curfews are destroying the economy, since it is consumer spending that drives most modern economies. Lower middle-class people are being pushed into poverty. The government seems impotent, willing to live with a vaccination schedule that won’t finish until 2022. By then there will be nothing left to save.

    Medellín seems to have taken the mask mandate somewhat seriously, although I still see guys playing basketball in the park, maskless, shirtless and sweating.

    I am trying to decide I should stay in Colombia or leave to a place where I can live freely again.

    Medellín is getting back to normal, but the same cannot be said for the rest of the country.
• 

  CtgDave May 19, 2021

  They can’t produce the vaccines quick enough, many developed Countries haven’t vaccinated many people yet, let alone less developed ones, just reading this as I write taken from the UK Finiancial Times:

  “…Japan has given a first dose to 4.4m people, just 3.5 per cent of the population…”

  The PRESENT vaccines won’t work as portrayed by the headlines, many people presently in the high risk groups, will still be going to hospital and dying.

  Covid will soon find a way around the present vaccines.

  So it will depend AGAIN on the idiots in charge if the they want to do lockdowns when this happens.
15. 

    L.M. May 2, 2021

    I have heard that it’s safer to carry a copy of your passport, due to the threat of robbery.

    Do you know if showing a copy of your passport (instead of the original) is alright when they check your number on shopping days?

    Also, do police officers in general accept a copy of a passport as valid ID if they stop you (I have heard that sometimes they stop foreigners).

    Thanks!
• 

  Jeff May 2, 2021

  Yes, you can carry a copy of your passport.
16. 

    Chris May 2, 2021

    does anyone know what next week (5-2 to 5-9) will be in reference to quarantine and pico cedula?
• 

  Jeff May 2, 2021

  Nothing announced yet, we will update our popular article when we find out – https://medellinguru.com/nightly-curfew-and-dry-law-medellin/
17. 

    Martin April 27, 2021

    There have definitely not been 125 million deaths worldwide. The number is more like 3 million.
• 

  Jeff April 27, 2021

  Thanks for catching the cut and paste error – corrected to 3,138,200.
• 

  Megan Smith April 29, 2021

  Hi, what is the curfew in Cartagena? I plan to visit May 21.
18. 

    Daniel Bonner April 25, 2021

    Hi,
    My girlfriend and I planned a trip to Colombia for the last two weeks of May (Bogota, Salento, Medellin, Caribbean). As it seems things are getting worse, do you think we should cancel? What is it like on the ground? Do you think things will improve by then? We are both vaccinated and don’t mind wearing a mask or even curfews that start at 10 PM. The all day curfews and quarantines in Medellin/Antioquia are obviously worrying to us though.
• 

  Will April 27, 2021

  Hi Daniel,

  Things have got worse but it’s important to keep in mind that Medellin follows a very different pattern to Europe (where I’m from) and I imagine the US – things were pretty much normal before this latest surge with a very low number of cases. Medellin has many natural advantages against Covid: the good climate means it is very open, there’s constant ventilation, for instance a lot/most restaurants have either outdoor seating or don’t have windows because windows aren’t needed. The shopping malls, too, are not fully enclosed spaces, with fresh air able to circulate. Also the strong sunlight helps with Vit D production through skin exposure (be careful not to burn!) and strong UV light also kills viruses (read this WHO article on sunlight being used to disinfect water https://www.who.int/water_sanitation_health/wwdreportchap4.pdf).

  So why the increase now? I think two things happened: first for Colombians family and religion are very important. So we saw an increase at Christmas which I think can partly be explained by the social mixing of families and the beautiful light displays in the squares that understandably attract many visitors. Similarly at Easter, although no light displays, I saw crowds of people flocking out of churches, an enclosed space. Although I know other families who stayed at home and watched mass on TV, so it wasn’t everyone. The other factor, I think, is we had a lot of cloud and rain in February so less sunlight was able to get through. These are just my theories, others may disagree and want to correct me, please do so.

  But mask wearing is very common, I feel safe when I go out because I see others wearing a mask, even some joggers.

  Finally, there is an important socioeconomic dynamic to Covid-19. This study concluded that in Colombia there is evidence of inequalities in Covid-19 mortality in terms of age groups, sex, ethnicity, type of health insurance regimen and socioeconomic status. https://jech.bmj.com/content/early/2021/03/03/jech-2020-216275 I would guess the areas you will visit are unlikely to be the poor areas. Although there can be poor areas right next to richer neighbourhoods. For instance when I go jogging I sometimes go over Puente La Asomadera, which on one side has a great view over the city and well-off areas and on the other looks pretty poor. You can see what I mean from this Google Maps street view https://goo.gl/maps/7D5SwybAvBSb8SG17

  The big worry is that ICU occupancy in Antioquia is very high – 97.95 per cent https://dssa.gov.co/index.php?option=com_k2&view=itemlist&layout=category&task=category&id=127&Itemid=352 Doctors are having to make life or death decisions about who receives intensive care treatment, and prominent healthcare officials, like Carolina Corcho https://twitter.com/carolinacorcho, are calling for the Governor of Antioquia to formally declare a healthcare collapse. They want more aid to help the poor: “We urge for the need for humanitarian aid to the poorest and most vulnerable sectors of the population” https://colombiareports.com/medellin-doctors-urge-lockdown-humanitarian-aid-to-resuscitate-healthcare/

  A protest march against the government’s response, or lack of, is planned for tomorrow (28 April).

  Obviously that march could itself increase infections. 

  Ultimately I feel safe, but I know I’m privileged, I’m not living in a poor area, I have health insurance, I can work from home, I don’t need to go out much. The ICU occupancy is a concern but hopefully that will come down soon.

  I’m curious to know what Jeff and others think.
• 

  JuAnita April 27, 2021

  To whoever plans go travel in May, I suggest to wait and see if the numbers go down. No need to cancel your trip maybe just postpone. Even if your fully vaccinated you can still get the virus.
• 

  Mark June 6, 2021

  Better be worried about them
  Chopping your head off in the protests.
19. 

    Joe Heinbach April 24, 2021

    My girlfriend lives in Medellín and I just returned to USA from there. She told me that today she heard that Colombia is talking about closing the airport again. Do you have any information about this? Thanks for your work I love reading your blog.
• 

  Jeff April 25, 2021

  They are not closing the airports. The Antioquia Medical Association asked for this but the government has not made this decision – see this in Spanish – https://www.bluradio.com/blu360/antioquia/asociacion-medica-de-antioquia-pide-cerrar-aeropuertos-para-reducir-la-movilidad-del-coronavirus
• 

  Mark June 6, 2021

  Is she expensive? Everyone thinks they have a girlfriend there not knowing she is everyone’s girlfriend
20. 

    Carl April 24, 2021

    Hi I am a US citizen who has been vaccinated. Would like to travel to Medeliin from.May 31 to June 6. I understand the curfew will end May 31. Will I be ok to visit?
• 

  Juanita April 24, 2021

  I would wait and see if the Biden doesn’t decide to put any restrictions to re enter the US (you might get stuck there). I have a flight on the 15th but since COVID is getting worse in Colombia things might become more strict.
• 

  Jeff April 24, 2021

  The curfews in Medellin are until May 3 so far – https://medellinguru.com/nightly-curfew-and-dry-law-medellin/
21. 

    Jane Smith April 23, 2021

    My brother may be in Sacred Heart Clinic in Medellin with COVID. I am in the USA and can’t find information. What’s the best way to find out his status in the hospital.
22. 

    Juanita April 21, 2021

    Are there new travel restrictions? I have family members saying that Biden has banned travel to the US but I have not seen anything.
• 

  Jeff April 21, 2021

  There is a suspension and limited entry into the United States, for immigrants or nonimmigrants, of non-citizens who were physically present within the following countries during the 14-day period preceding their entry or attempted entry into the United States:

  China, Iran, European Schengen area, UK, Ireland, Brazil and South Africa – see this CDC announcement – https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/from-other-countries.html

  But U.S. may lift travel ben from EU, UK and Brazil next month – https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/news/us-may-lift-entry-ban-for-travellers-from-eu-uk-brazil-by-mid-may/
23. 

    Kevin Reilly April 11, 2021

    Excellent information ! Gracias.
• 

  Rod Macc April 19, 2021

  Hi Jeff – your Covid reporting has been excellent! Thank you!
  I came to Florida to get my vaccine but my Colombian girlfriend,,who is a student, can’t get a visa. Can you do an update on the Colombian vaccine timetable by group and it’s current status and predicted rollout? Thanks a lot!! Rod
• 

  Jeff April 19, 2021

  Here is our popular article about vaccinations in Colombia with a schedule – https://medellinguru.com/covid-19-vaccinations-in-colombia/

  See the section “Phases of COVID-19 Vaccinations in Colombia” in that article – They have finished Phase 1 and are currently in Phase 2.
24. 

    Jonathan Sherman April 8, 2021

    I would like to know the rules for the quarantine. Are we allowed to go outside to go to the supermarket on our pico y cedula day? Is it okay to go out to run or walk for exercise? Thanks
• 

  Jeff April 8, 2021

  Here are the rules in Spanish – https://www.elcolombiano.com/antioquia/decreto-toque-de-queda-continuo-en-antioquia-OF14887900
• 

  Sandra April 8, 2021

  In case he doesn’t speak Spanish: Jonathan you are not allowed to go out to the supermarket as all are closed until Monday morning, including all small shops.

  It is not allowed to go outside for a walk / run / exercise unless you have a dog. Fine is about 1.000.000 pesos but please respect the law and don’t put foreigners in a bad daylight… 🙂
• 

  CtgDave April 9, 2021

  Depends where, Sabaneta is Ok from this link:

  https://twitter.com/AlcSabaneta/status/1380339452929794048
• 

  Will April 10, 2021

  I think supermarkets make deliveries if you need food, and it’s possible to order take away food.
25. 

    Juanita Casasfranco April 5, 2021

    Hey! So now that COVID cases have started to go up again in Colombia do you think that there’ll be a full lockdown again?
• 

  Jeff April 5, 2021

  NO, they are doing nightly curfews, dry laws and Pico y Cedula – see – https://medellinguru.com/nightly-curfew-and-dry-law-medellin/

  The are doing measure by municipality, as the growth in cases is mainly in some of the larger cities.
• 

  Will April 8, 2021

  Yes, a three-day lockdown begins tonight (Thursday 8 April).

  I feel this article could do with an small edit: some of the info is not necessarily so relevant today, and I feel it’s a little misleading to say cases have “dropped 44 days out of the past 78 days in a row”, when in fact cases have increased for each of the past 29 days.

  I would also be interested to read the latest about vaccinations in Colombia and Medellin.

  But as ever, thank you Jeff for keeping this article regularly updated, it is much appreciated.
26. 

    Greg March 31, 2021

    Hello Jeff – great info here thank you. We are travelling to Medellin on Apr 4th. what is the current curfew there? and is it being well enforced? thanks!
• 

  Jeff March 31, 2021

  See our popular article about the nightly curfew in Medellín – https://medellinguru.com/nightly-curfew-and-dry-law-medellin/
27. 

    Wes March 30, 2021

    Hi, I will be arriving from Hawaii this late April, do I still have to quarantine? or just have my Negative PCR test? Also if I plan to visit Bogota from Medellin (vice-versa), do I need another PCR test to show at the airport. knowing that I’ll be only 3-4 days on each state, I need to plan all my swabbing appointments. Do u have a list of reliable swabbing stations for US citizens? Cost would not be a problem, I’m concerned of how fast it can be resulted for PCR tests. Hope to hear from u soon! thank you for being helpful!
• 

  Jeff March 30, 2021

  There is no quarantine if you have a negative PCR test taken within 96 hours of your flight – see our popular article – https://medellinguru.com/colombia-require-covid-19-test/
28. 

    Juanita Casasfranco March 23, 2021

    Thank you for this article!
    I was wondering if there is any way to know if there will be complete lockdown again? I’m planning to go home (Colombia) for the summer but i don’t want to get stuck there.
• 

  Jeff March 23, 2021

  No, they will likely never do a complete lockdown again as too much damage to the economy. More likely are nightly curfews in cities with increases in cases.
• 

  Jeremy March 28, 2021

  The risk of imposing further lockdowns is not zero
29. 

    Chris North March 22, 2021

    I need a covid PCR test to return to the US. Does anyone know where I can get that? I needs to be no more than 3 days old.
• 

  Jeff March 22, 2021

  You can get an Antigen test for travel to the U.S., which will be cheaper than a PCR test. See our popular article with a list of places you can get tested in Medellín – https://medellinguru.com/pcr-test-covid-19-test/
30. 

    Alan March 14, 2021

    There are so many different stories about vaccine availability and distribution (and of course “lost” batches).
    Do you have, or is there a way to contact local area authorities for information in Medellin / Envigado on each areas’ vaccine plan / schedule etc? Anything you know or can find would be appreciated!
31. 

    Steve February 21, 2021

    Currently in Medellin and Cartagena, what is the nightly curfew time for bars / restaurants?
• 

  Jeff February 21, 2021

  There currently is no curfew in Medellín. Cartagena has one from midnight to 5 am until March 1. See here in Spanish about nightly curfew in Cartagena – https://www.elespectador.com/noticias/nacional/sin-pico-y-cedula-pero-con-toque-de-queda-las-nuevas-medidas-en-cartagena/
32. 

    Tom February 15, 2021

    Nice to see the cases have dropped for almost a month in Colombia, thanks for the update.
33. 

    Sofie January 27, 2021

    Hi there! I am a student doing my exchange at EAFIT (currently online) but am considering going to Medellin in March and stay there for some months. What are your thoughts? My worries are another strict lockdown as well as safety. I hope you will share your thoughts and insights! 🙂
    Thank you very much!
• 

  Jeff January 27, 2021

  Lockdowns are unlikely due to huge economic impacts and increase in unemployment. President Duque said on October 27 that an “indefinite” lockdown in response to rising coronavirus infections would spur a “social and economic suicide.”

  The preferred preventative measures in Colombia now are nightly curfews, weekend curfews and Pico y Cedula, Which is being done in Medellin until Feb 2 – see our article – https://medellinguru.com/nightly-curfews-in-medellin/
• 

  Jordan January 27, 2021

  Thanks for this info Jeff. Am I right in assuming that bars and restaurants are still open before curfew times?

  Thanks

  Jordan
• 

  Jeff January 27, 2021

  Yes, restaurants and bars are still open before nightly curfews start.
34. 

    Peter January 16, 2021

    The worrying thing is that ICU occupancy is at 90% and this is probably the calm before the storm (the new far more infectious variants taking hold). I really hope I’m wrong but I think we are in for some very tough times ahead with potentially some lengthy lockdowns.
• 

  Desyn January 16, 2021

  The raise in ICU occupancy for now is completely to blame to silly curfews at 24/25/26 December and 31/1/2 January. Inside houses (family / friends gathering inside) is where the virus is spreading, not outside. The government made a huge mistake in my opinion with those curfews.

  But i agree that the new variants will spread here probably as well over the next coming months. Lockdowns are not the sulution though. I hope the government learned this too….
35. 

    Laura January 13, 2021

    Any news about what’s gonna happen in Medellin given the ICU occupancy above 90%?
    Is there gonna be a lockdown?

    Generally, are Airbnb allowed during lockdown? I am coming to Medellin in 1 week and I was wondering if I will be allowed to keep my Airbnb Reservation in case of a lockdown.

    Thanks!
    Laura
• 

  Jeff January 13, 2021

  Nothing we have seen yet about new measures in Medellín – Medellín is at 90 percent ICU occupancy, in Rionegro where ICU occupancy is 96 percent they are doing nightly curfews.

  Yes, Airbnb rentals are permitted.
36. 

    Michael Curtin January 11, 2021

    Jeff a few things about mask:
    Standard mask do work. I work in a large hospital. when workers acquire Covid in the Hospital it has been found to happen in clusters. The cluster happens because the workers are sitting in a room eating meals together / or sitting in an office while not wearing a mask. What is not mentioned by most Covid guidance is the need to wear eye protection, eyes are the likely route of acquiring Covid for those who are wear a mask, as Covid is airborne . A N95 is the best mask to stop the spread of airborne infections, but it is a mask that needs to be fit tested to ensure a proper seal. They are also intended for short term use as they decrease ones oxygen levels . Try wearing a properly fitted N95 then climb a flight of stairs you will get winded quickly. If one has facial hair the N95 will not make a proper seal. Some of my co-workers wear a duck bill mask as they fail the N95 fit test. Some others have to wear PAPR (Powered Air Purifying Respirator) as they fail all mask fit test.
37. 

    Oscar January 9, 2021

    Hi Jeff,
    I am from the UK and planning to travel to Columbia soon. I think the rules at the moment are that you cant have been in the UK for 2 weeks. Is this right? Therefore i was going to fly to Costa Rica stay there for minimum 2 weeks then head to Columbia . Will I able able to do this. Also I’m just wondering whether we’ll get an experience which is fairly close to normality, will bars be open, hostels, tourist attractions e.tc.
    Many thanks for your help on this.
    Oscar
• 

  Jordan January 9, 2021

  Hi mate, I’m in the exact same boat as you – been planning a trip to South America for over a year and due to fly into Bogota from London on Jan 28th but will obviously have to postpone for at least a month – let me know if you find anything out!
• 

  Jeff January 9, 2021

  According to the Ministry of Health, Colombia suspended the entry of flights from the United Kingdom, as of December 21, either direct or by connection; and it will only allow the entry of travelers in the following cases:

  – Colombians and foreigners with permanent residence in Colombia, that is, holders of a migrant visa, resident visa or courtesy visa and their beneficiaries in the country. These passengers must comply with the sanitary measures adopted by the Ministry of Health and Social Protection for this purpose.
  – People belonging to diplomatic bodies duly accredited in the country.
  Foreigners who start their flight to the country before the effective date of the Resolution.
  – The crew of the aircraft.

  Does not appear to be a ban UK citizens traveling to Colombia from another country – just a ban on flights from the UK or passengers who use connections from the UK.

  Hope this helps and Here is the official announcement in Spanish – https://www.minsalud.gov.co/Paginas/Colombia-adopta-cierre-de-vuelos-desde-Reino-Unido.aspx
• 

  Jeff January 9, 2021

  According to the Ministry of Health, Colombia suspended the entry of flights from the United Kingdom, as of December 21, either direct or by connection; and it will only allow the entry of travelers in the following cases:

  – Colombians and foreigners with permanent residence in Colombia, that is, holders of a migrant visa, resident visa or courtesy visa and their beneficiaries in the country. These passengers must comply with the sanitary measures adopted by the Ministry of Health and Social Protection for this purpose.
  – People belonging to diplomatic bodies duly accredited in the country.
  Foreigners who start their flight to the country before the effective date of the Resolution.
  – The crew of the aircraft.

  Does not appear to be a ban UK citizens traveling to Colombia from another country – just a ban on flights from the UK or passengers who use connections from the UK.

  Hope this helps and Here is the official announcement in Spanish – https://www.minsalud.gov.co/Paginas/Colombia-adopta-cierre-de-vuelos-desde-Reino-Unido.aspx
38. 

    Edgar Pacas January 7, 2021

    Hello Jeff,
    I wrote a message a few weeks back and still have not heard from you so wanted to ask again. I am a university teacher, I teach Medieval History…I am an avid collector of reproductions of medieval weapons (swords, axes, daggers, spear heads, etc. no firearms though), I have called the Colombian consulate here and have not heard from them. What sort of restrictions does Colombia have for importing these weapons (most are without a functional edge but a few do have an edge on them). If you could please let me know who might have the answer I would really appreciate it. On another note, which is the best wifi provider in Colombia?
    thank you
• 

  Jeff January 8, 2021

  I haven’t seen another message from you. Sorry we haven’t been asked that question before so we don’t know the answer. I recommend asking on a big Facebook group like the Medellin Expat Group. – https://www.facebook.com/groups/159461177529433
• 

  Ken April 27, 2021

  I would say either speak to a lawyer that deals with importing/exporting of museum type items or a scholar in Colombia or your country that deals with these type of issues. Perhaps also Sotheby’s or Christie’s might know something. Good luck.
39. 

    Eugene Nayvelt January 7, 2021

    Hi Jeff, I’m wondering why you removed those charts that showed weekly or week over week gains in cases? And the chart for overall cases in colombia vs medellin?
• 

  Jeff January 7, 2021

  Removed city charts because Instituto Nacional de Salud (INS) no longer reliably and timely updates their database with coronavirus statistics by city in Colombia. So, we will no longer provide a detailed list of coronavirus counts for over 35 cities daily, as we did in the past.

  Some times doesn’t update data until the next day.
40. 

    Ron January 6, 2021

    I 100% completely agree with you
• 

  Desyn January 6, 2021

  “Now with the new strain of the virus the vaccinations may prove to be ineffective. Very frightening prospect.”

  Ron, either you don’t follow the news or you like to create drama or fear. Vaccinations are effective as well against the new strain of the virus. This has been all over the news already….
• 

  Jeff January 6, 2021

  Yes, exactly vaccinations reportedly are effective against the new strain of the virus. And Colombia will start vaccinations next month. So, there is a light at the end of the tunnel.
• 

  Ron January 6, 2021

  Anthony Fauci does not create fear by informing us of the possibility that the newly evolving strains of covid. I didnt dream this up and we need to be aware of the truth as reported by disease. I dont appdeciate beratement and insults. thank god colombian government officlals err on the side of caution unlike many of my naysayer countryimen who fear the truth and just quote stats like some of our politicians back home. Sad to think some think covid is a dreamed yp liberal hoax.
• 

  Ron January 6, 2021

  We all look forward to being vaccinated but the virus is cunning and resilient and hopes to survive by mutating.
• 

  George January 6, 2021

  The virus has already mutated before. It is what viruses do. It was probably a mutation of the original one that wreaked so much havoc in the US in the spring according to what I read from the scientists. The result of this will most likely be that we will need annual vaccinations to protect us like with the flu. The good thing about the new strain is that while it is more infectious, it does not appear to be as deadly according to what I’ve read.
41. 

    Peter January 6, 2021

    The Colombian government seem determined to import the new far more contagious variants of the virus from Europe and South Africa. A PCR test should be the absolute minimum required to enter Colombia. Personally I would go further and consider closing the airports at least until the more vulnerable parts of the population have been vaccinated.
• 

  Jeff January 6, 2021

  Why close the airports if they are now going to require a PCR test? That would completely destroy the tourist industry that is just starting to recover.
• 

  Peter January 6, 2021

  Because PCR tests have a false negative rate of 20-30%.

  Tourism is only 3.8% of the Colombian economy (at least it was before the pandemic), so why risk the other 96.2% and peoples lives?
• 

  Jeff January 6, 2021

  It is not only tourism, also the aviation industry. Prior to the COVID-19 crisis the aviation industry generated more than 600,000 jobs and contributed US$7.5 billion to Colombia’s GDP, which is about 2.7 percent of Colombia’s GDP.

  Also, need to look at what percentage of newly infected cases are from international travelers – much less than 1 percent in December.
• 

  Ron January 6, 2021

  I believe that we have to put lives ahead of economy. That was the problem in the United States and the U.K.the governments wete so concerned about the economy and now look at the state of the situation in the United States and europe right now. Every life is precious and that should be our number 1 priority..The damage to the economy is grave and the choice between dying of covid or dying from starvation are very real concerns and either way it is a win/lose scenario. Now with the new strain of the virus the vaccinations may prove to be ineffective. Very frightening prospect. Our leaders are between rocks and hard places.
• 

  Peter January 6, 2021

  Very valid point re other industries connected to tourism.

  I’m more concerned about one of the new far more contagious variants getting on a plane and finding it’s way to Colombia rather than the actual number of Covid positive passengers arriving to be honest.
42. 

    Dale Jackson January 4, 2021

    Excellent question Ron. My wife and I wonder the same thing.

    BTW — The airlines know nothing about the constantly changing rules.
• 

  Ron January 4, 2021

  Honestly I’m not surprised by the country reinitiating the rule for people to get a PCR test prior to arrival in Colombia with the pandemic out of control throughout Europe and England and the United States it’s understandable. Especially now that many Bogota icu’s are nearing capacity and the new strains of covid emerging. The new normal is something everyone around the globe is being forced to deal with.
43. 

    Frank January 4, 2021

    Jeff did you hear they now require PCR tests again?
• 

  Jeff January 4, 2021

  Yes, see our article updated last night that Colombia will now require PCR tests for arriving passengers – https://medellinguru.com/colombia-require-covid-19-test/
• 

  Ron Rezek January 4, 2021

  Can I enter Colombia if I have proof of having had the vaccine in the USA?
• 

  Jeff January 4, 2021

  Sorry, we don’t have an answer, recommend asking on the Migracion Colombia website – https://www.migracioncolombia.gov.co/we
44. 

    Dan December 25, 2020

    Does ‘pico y cedula’ apply to tourists?
• 

  Jeff December 25, 2020

  Yes, applies to tourists. Use your passport as your ID. See our article about COVID restrictions – https://medellinguru.com/holiday-covid-restrictions/
45. 

    Jordan McDonald November 27, 2020

    Thanks for all the great info on this page, I’ve found it really helpful. Me and my girlfriend have been planning a trip to Colombia for about a year, to teach English for 6 months and then travel the rest of South America for 6 months. We’re due to arrive on January 26th, but we have the option of delaying it for a year. I’m just wondering whether we’ll get an experience which is fairly close to normality, we love going out to bars, pubs and restaurants etc and watching live sport. Also are the government planning any further relaxing of restrictions etc between now and January?

    Thanks in advance

    Jordan
46. 

    Vic November 11, 2020

    Hey Jeff, need some advice. So my best friend has his bachellor party in Medellin in May. All of them have purchased their flights already but me. The price of the flight has remained steady for the last few weeks but im afraid of waiting to long and it going up. At the same time my wife does not want me to go because of covid and who knows what the covid status is going to be like around that time, whether there will be another quarantine, flight getting cancelled or anything of that nature. What do you think? Should I still wait to purchase the flight, purchase them now, or just not go??
• 

  Jeff November 11, 2020

  Colombia is very unlikely to return to a nationwide quarantine or ban flights – see our article but will need to be a subscriber – https://medellinguru.com/return-to-a-quarantine-colombia/
• 

  Ron November 11, 2020

  With the sad shape our economy is in a new lockdown would cripple us. 2020 a total disaster for Colombia.
• 

  Jeff November 11, 2020

  Yes, it would be horrible for the economy in Colombia and a national quarantine is not needed as increases in coronavirus cases are in a limited number of cities. President Duque even said on October 27 that an “indefinite” lockdown in response to rising coronavirus infections would spur a “social and economic suicide.”

  More likely are limited curfews on weekends and nights in cities where needed.
47. 

    Crandall May November 9, 2020

    Hi, sorry if this has been ask before. We are planning to be in Medellin mid January. Can we anticipate restaurants, transportation, parks, museums etc being open? Thank you for the help!
• 

  Jeff November 9, 2020

  Yes, Medellín started to return to a “new normal” in late August and most restaurants, transportation, parks, museums are open – see – https://medellinguru.com/new-normal-in-medellin/
48. 

    Yigit November 6, 2020

    I am from Switzerland and will be in Dominican Republic before I come to Bogota on 21st November. Should I be tested to enter to Colombia? Another question is, if the bars, restaurants etc are open currently in region, Bogota, Cartagena and Medellin.
• 

  Jeff November 6, 2020

  There is not a PCR test requirement for the Dominican Republic (but may be randomly selected for a rapid test) and no longer a PCR test requirement for Colombia – see – https://medellinguru.com/international-flights/

  Yes bars, restaurants, etc are open in all 3 cities – Over 6,000 restaurants opened in Medellin on August 31 – https://medellinguru.com/restaurants-open-for-table-service/
49. 

    Eric November 5, 2020

    Do you have any information on the situation with covid tests being required for entry? The Ministerio publico de salud just announced on nov 4th that it is no longer required yet airlines are still saying it is required??
• 

  Jeff November 5, 2020

  No longer required but the airlines may not have been notified or know about this. A reader traveling today on Spirit reported was not asked for a test.
50. 

    Fazil Saiyed November 1, 2020

    Can a new post be started about quarantine situation around Colombia based on city or area, what is current rules and restrictions.
    For example i need to know how quarantine rules will impacts my travel to Cali, Cartagena, santa marta, Bucaramanga.
    are the parks such as santisimo, beaches in Tyrona, cartegena open, what about rodadero and minka.
    can someone provide update it would be shame to go to santa marta and confine to hotel, i need to know if i can visit Tyrona and Chica mocha in Bucaramanga
    i travel on November 11
• 

  Jeff November 2, 2020

  There are no travel restrictions or quarantines but may be restrictions in some cities like curfews and some places closed. We will research and publish an aritlce in the next week or so.

  We have an article about 8 national parks reopening – Parque Tayrona opens on November 20 – see … https://medellinguru.com/national-parks-reopen/
51. 

    Jordan October 30, 2020

    Hi Jeff! Thanks for breaking down all the numbers and explaining this for us. I was planning on traveling to Medellin this winter before all the Covid stuff happened, and am now considering whether to still go or not. As a young man that was hoping to enjoy the nightlife and social aspects of the city, do you know if nightlife, bars, and private parties and gatherings are open again?
    Thanks!
• 

  Jeff October 30, 2020

  Bars and casinos are open. Also, some private parties and gatherings are happening but not really a good idea to prevent infections and if too large (over 50) organizers can get in trouble.
52. 

    Jimmy October 24, 2020

    I always check travel websites and colombia mexico costa rica and brasil get ratings of ..do not travel. Jamaica that I visit often has..travel with caution. So I will be waiting till summer to travel to colombia
53. 

    Sofie October 23, 2020

    Hi there!
    I hope you find this well!
    I am a student from Denmark, and my plan is to go on an exchange semester to Medellin from the 8. of january for approx. 5 months. Right now it seems that the situation is not very stable, hence I am quite concerned how it will be to move there in 2 months, and am considering whether I should go or not. It is quite hard to get a real impression from so far away and most people tell me it wouldn’t be very safe for me to go / a nice experience.

    I would love to hear some opinions on my dilemma from people who are in Colombia at the moment. Any help is appreciated!

    Best regards, Sofie
• 

  Jeff October 23, 2020

  Sofie, things have returned to “near normal” with most things open – see the article I wrote about the new normal in Medellin – https://medellinguru.com/new-normal-in-medellin/

  Also, the crime rates have dropped from pre-coronavirus times with more people at home
• 

  Joe October 24, 2020

  My Colombian wife, two kids and I won’t be going to Colombia until there is a vaccine. It’s just not worth travelling during a pandemic. Better to ride it out wherever your primary residence is.
• 

  Ron October 24, 2020

  The Pandemic has certainly changed the world. I want to travel to Spain and italy and realize i must delay my plans as well. Its just too uncertain during this second wave that is currently sweeping through Europe. How sad for all of us. Stay safe. Better days are ahead. For those who do travel, adhering to bio safety protocols are strongly recommended, its all we can do in order to protect ourselves and our loved ones.
• 

  Ron October 23, 2020

  The situation around the world is unstable. I think one needs to exercise caution but not to live our lives in constant fear. This is Colombia and not Denmark so one should always remember when visiting here to use common sense measures to avoid putting oneself in harms way. Good luck and have fun here.
54. 

    Tim Drummond October 22, 2020

    I’m considering moving to Medellin at the beginning of next month. What’s your advice with travel/health insurance?

    My main concern is I don’t want to rely on local health services (even if they would be available that is)
55. 

    Ruth October 18, 2020

    Thank you Jeff for your professional and accurate report on Colombia health issues these times of pandemic. I’m so glad you like my country. You are awesome! Regards from US.
56. 

    Ali October 15, 2020

    I arrived in Bogota, Colombia this week from Serbia. We arrived with a negative PCR within the past 96 hours. I can’t seem to find any information of intra-country travel. Do you need a test to fly to Cartagena or Medellin from Bogota? Thank you!
• 

  Jeff October 15, 2020

  No you don’t need a test for domestic flights except for San Andres – see our article about domestic flights – https://medellinguru.com/domestic-flights-resume/
57. 

    Mo October 1, 2020

    Hi Medellin Guru Team 🙂

    Anyone know if the 96 hours for the coronatest validation is until u entry the airplane or entry the country?

    Thanks
    Mo
• 

  Jeff October 1, 2020

  See our article about international flights resuming – negative PCR COVID-19 test results for a test that was taken within 96 hours of the scheduled time of your flight. https://medellinguru.com/international-flights/
• 

  GATO October 1, 2020

  You’re the best Jeff! Information overload on that page with 800+ comments

  Wasn’t clear when 96 hours ended. Had planned, upon arrival just to be safe.

  Make sense it is when board the Colombia-bound flight otherwise would penalize people who have long layovers.

  Hitting the Buy Me Coffee button!
• 

  Jeff October 1, 2020

  Yes, crazy how many comments on this article.
58. 

    Chris September 30, 2020

    Does anyone know what the current policy is for tourist visa?
    I understand that because of the quarantine we were not penalized for being here over 90 days ( I got here March 20th). However, as of Nov 1, we need to leave or get a visa. The questions is, can we come back before January 1st?
• 

  Ron October 1, 2020

  Call the Colombian Consulate or visit their website for the correct answer and/or visit Migracion Colombia. Sooner or later the rules will be formally reinstated and I recommend you get accurate legal advice before you get denied reentry due to a numerical technicality. (My opinion). Good luck.
59. 

    Joe August 29, 2020

    I think these numbers are off…remember for the last week the average testing has gone backwards which coincides with the government opening plans. The government might be trying to hide the real infected numbers so their plan of reopening is seen in a positive light. I’m all the opening in phases but don’t lie to the country.
• 

  Jeff August 29, 2020

  Read this new article by El Tiempo, that looks at this (in Spanish) – https://www.eltiempo.com/salud/pruebas-de-covid-19-en-colombia-por-que-ha-bajado-el-numero-en-pleno-pico-534300

  “The laboratories have processed everything that has come to them. “We even continue to grow in capacity, but few samples are coming in,” said Director Martha Ospina (Instituto Nacional de Salud) this week.

  Carlos Álvarez, infectologist and national coordinator of covid-19 studies for the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), explained that the decrease may be due to the fact that in some cities there is less transmission and therefore a smaller number of suspected cases. “That is to be expected.
60. 

    George Saxton August 22, 2020

    I fond this online. It sounds promising although Colombia wasn’t specifically listed. There are many countries who are not listed. https://www.who.int/news-room/detail/15-07-2020-more-than-150-countries-engaged-in-covid-19-vaccine-global-access-facility
61. 

    Michael murphy August 22, 2020

    Mr. Rose, I wouldn’t worry too much about a vaccine not being available in Colombia in a timely manner. Once effectiveness is proven, worldwide production will scaled up quickly; then the primary obstacle will be national internal infrastructure. Compared to many countries, Colombia is well prepared to get the vaccine distributed. Also, I would think that Colombians would not refuse the vaccine. In the US, surveys are finding that huge numbers of people say they will not take the vaccine for reasons that can only be described as irrational conspiracy theories. Since the vaccine will most likely not be more than 50% effective, a broad willingness to receive the vaccine will be crucial. Do you think high numbers of Colombians would refuse the vaccine?
• 

  Ron August 22, 2020

  I think those irrational conspiracy mongers have planted fear and mistrust into many of us. I believe many here in Colombia will think twice about taking the vaccine. I will not take it only because of the mutation factor and by the time one vaccine is devemoped it won’t be effective.
62. 

    Lawrence Robert Rose August 22, 2020

    If and when there is a vaccine or vaccines shown to be safe and effective, is anyone down here worried that Colombia will be near the end of the line in receiving the vaccine? Horror scenario…perhaps we will get the vaccine years after the “First World” countries. Has anyone, should that be the case, considered flying back to the US or wherever you are from to get the shot? This is a practical and ethical problem, si o no? Stay safe parceros! I’d be very interested in your thoughts.
63. 

    John August 14, 2020

    This analysis was done in May, 2020. It may have been accurate for that stage of the pandemic. There has been a huge improvement in medical care and outcomes since May, which changes the fatality rate numbers significantly.

    Also, the 25 studies were analyzed in May, but these 25 studies were likely to have been done before this May analysis. Many of them may have been done in March or April, thus showing numbers for an even earlier stage of the virus.
64. 

    John August 14, 2020

    Wearing masks, distancing, washing hands, quarantines, standing on your head five minutes every day, will not stop this devil. It will only slow it down temporarily. It will only delay the inevitable. Absent a vaccine or herd immunity, it will get you sooner or later.

    Only a vaccine, or herd immunity, will end this saga, and it will happen. Between now and then though, likely another 50 million Americans will contract the virus. Forty-five million of them will have few symptoms or no symptoms.
• 

  George August 14, 2020

  Attempting herd immunity without a vaccine will kill a lot of people and there’s no guarantee that will last. The vaccine is the only way. Until then it’s masks, distancing and quarantining when infected. Those are proven effective in slowing it down to a more manageable level. At least that is what the science says.
65. 

    Ron August 13, 2020

    I am proud to live here in Colombia where human lives come before any other consideration.
66. 

    Marco August 12, 2020

    I dont think it can be similar as Colombia went into lockdown pretty early once the first case was recorded; while New York and England waited til the hospitals capacity was overloaded.
    Also facemasks in Colombia were imposed early coming from lockdown; while the usa and England are still discussing when the facemasks are mandatory or not.
    Also the excess deaths numbers will show a lower rate in Colombia ; I think. As the governments of usa and England had a very different aproach to protect certain populations with preexistent conditions .
• 

  John August 13, 2020

  There is a good reason why the actual number of people who have had the Covid-19 infection (have antibodies) is about ten times the number of the governments’ “Confirmed Total Cases” numbers. It is because about 40% of those who get infected are asymptomatic. They have no symptoms. And another 40% of those who get infected have only mild symptoms. These 80% do not go to hospitals, doctors, nurses, labs, etc., so they do not show up on the governments’ statistics. Many of the remaining 20% do go to medical facilities, and therefore are counted as having a “Confirmed Case”. The news media only reports the number of confirmed cases, and I have yet to hear anyone in the news media report the estimated actual number of cases. Additionally, the news media divides the number of deaths by the number of confirmed (government published) cases, and gets a bogus fatality rate of 3.0%, when actually the real fatality rate is 0.3%. 30 deaths per thousand instead of 3 deaths per thousand. A huge difference! The typical seasonal flu fatality rate is 0.1%. Also, another reason the fatality rate is overstated is because every time a Covid-19 death is reported to the U.S. government, the government sends money to the hospital. This is a huge reason for hospitals to lie! Many of the deaths reported as Covid-19 deaths by hospitals are bogus. Often old and infirm patients have two maladies when they die. Covid-19, and heart or lung or kidney or cancer or many other diseases. Invariably, the hospital will report Covid-19 as the cause of death, when actually the other malady was the cause of death, and would have killed them even if they didn’t have the Covid-19 virus in their body. And one last thing about the fatality rate. The first month or two of the pandemic the medical community did not know how to treat it, and the death rate was very high. Now the death rate is much lower than it was a few months ago, but they still include this huge number of early deaths in the overall pandemic fatality rate! Some medical experts now conclude that the actual, current fatality rate for the Covid-19 virus is 0.1%, or 1 death in 1,000 cases, the same fatality rate as the typical seasonal flu. Therefore, it is the biggest blunder in history by governments around the world. Economies around the world have been put into depression, tens of millions of people have lost their jobs. Kids have lost at least half a year of school. Mothers can’t go to work. Suicides have skyrocketed. Tens of millions of people have no money, and have no food to eat. Millions of people have not been able to pay their rent. And yet the seasonal flu, with the same death rate, year after year, is never even mentioned on TV. Everyone shakes hands and people go to work and to restaurants and to bars and to school, even though 30 million to 50 million Americans get the seasonal flu in a typical year, and 30,000 to 80,000 Americans die from the seasonal flu in a typical year (even though 40% of Americans have had flu shots and are immune to it)! Governments around the world have used a sledge hammer to kill an ant in dealing with this Covid-19 virus. Millions, or probably billions, of poor people in this world have had their lives ruined by the stupid, horrible actions of governments around the world. Is the cure worse than the disease? Yes. Maybe 50 times worse! It is very sad!
• 

  Jeff August 13, 2020

  See our article about the death rate in Colombia – https://medellinguru.com/colombia-coronavirus-death-rate/

  We don’t use the “infection fatality rate” (IFR), as this depends on knowing how many are infected. The total number of cases is not known since most cases of viruses tend to go uncounted because people generally do not to visit the doctor with mild symptoms. So, the IFR cannot be accurately calculated, at best it is an estimate. That is why it isn’t used in the news media.

  An analysis done in May by scientists at the University of Wollongong and James Cook University in Australia looked at 267 studies in more than a dozen countries and then selected the 25 they considered the most accurate, weighting them for accuracy, and averaged the data. They concluded that the global infection fatality rate (IFR) for coronavirus was 0.64 percent, which was the consensus.
• 

  Jarrod October 2, 2020

  Jeff your total numbers reported under 1800 for the Aburra valley don’t add up. The number is way out? It think its very important people see the true total. Excuse me if i am wrong
• 

  Jeff October 2, 2020

  That is ACTIVE cases in the Aburrá Valley.

  That less than 1,800 was a typo due to cutting and pasting last night, just updated to less than 2,200 (actual number is 2,157 that can be seen in Spanish here – De los activos – https://www.minuto30.com/antioquia/la-ocupacion-uci-para-pacientes-covid-en-antioquia-es-del-75/1136653/

  Now it says “total of 95,169 confirmed coronavirus cases with less than 2,200 active cases.”
• 

  Michael murphy August 13, 2020

  When it comes to pathogens the R0 number, the severity of morbidity symptoms, and the morbidity rates are more important than mortality rates. Pathogens with high mortality rates burn themselves out quickly. In an evolutionary timeframe, you can see that if an infection spread easily and was very fatal then it wiped out a local area and that was the end of the pathogen. Obviously such pathogens have been filtered out by natural selection.

  Every new pathogen puts us as a species into a tremendous learning curve. We still have so much to learn about this one.

  My take away from this one so far is:

  1) I don’t want to catch it…no way, no how! I’d rather get the flu 10 times than this beast once!
  2) Using the simple concrete measure of excess deaths per 100000, the USA did a comparatively lousy job of dealing with it and on Nov 3rd its citizens will get a chance to decide if they think the buck stops at the top for this failure.
  3) The world needs to adopt uniform and early intervention protocols whenever an outbreak kills more than 1000 people: A) Immediate worldwide travel restrictions and border health checks B) Some local travel bans B) Worldwide mandatory mask-wearing and increased hygiene activities. There is plenty of blame to go around this time, especially for the CCP, but the entire world needs to move quicker and be more decisive about outbreaks. I hope as a species we have learned our lesson.
67. 

    Michael murphy August 12, 2020

    There is a developing theory called the XYZ herd immunity theory that may be of interest to you. Chris Martinson from the peakprosperity.com website has been exploring this in a series of recent YouTube videos. Basically X is prior immunity because of exposure to other corona viruses, Y would be t-cell immunity, and Z antibody immunity. Adding all three together may approximate traditional herd immunity. There is still so much we don’t know about this virus. In the meanwhile masks for everybody because nobody wants this virus infection.
68. 

    Ron August 12, 2020

    Surely??
69. 

    Peter August 12, 2020

    Recently in London, they tested people at random for antibodies and had similar results. They found that 10 times more people had been exposed to the virus than had been recorded. Assuming Medellin is similar to London and New York (a big assumption I know), that would make the current infection rate in Medellin around 10,000 a day. At that rate surely a degree of herd immunity must be achieved soon.
70. 

    John August 10, 2020

    Recently the CDC stated that their research shows that for every one confirmed case of Covid-19 in the United States, there are likely 12 other unconfirmed or unreported cases. There are now approximately 5,000,000 confirmed cases in the United States. Multiply 5,000,000 by 12, and the result is that there are now about 60,000,000 people in the United States who have likely had the Covid-19 virus. This is about 18% of the United States population. We have not reached herd immunity yet, but this does have a partial herd immunity effect on the number of new cases. To elaborate a little on this, there was a recent random sample study done in New York City, which showed that 21% of New Yorkers have had the virus. Today, the number of new cases in New York City is fairly low, compared to many other cities and states in the United States. It is certainly far below the huge rate of new cases New York City had a few months ago. Some scientists attribute this to a “partial herd immunity” effect.
71. 

    Kelly August 10, 2020

    Hello! I am supposed to be starting a new job in Medellin soon. HR believes that the borders will in fact open in September… I am not so sure. Any advice?
• 

  Ron August 10, 2020

  Stay tuned to Medellin Guru for up to the minute updates. Personally I have my doubts, but that’s just my opinion. Good luck to all of us here and around the planet, Sitting in Limbo.
72. 

    John Galey August 8, 2020

    I live in the United States. I am an American. I have owned a home in Medellin for five years, and I live there about six months each year. I am an 80 year old male in excellent health. I have had the antibodies test, and I am positive. I do have the antibodies in my body, and I have already had the infection. I am safe! I am no threat to anyone. I can’t give the virus to anyone, and I can’t get the virus again. However, I am still treated like a “leper” by the United States government, and by the Colombian government. There have been about five million confirmed cases in the USA. However, it is estimated that for every one confirmed case, there are ten cases that have not been confirmed. That means about 50 million Americans have had the virus (about 15%). And yet, we all have to wear masks and do distancing, and can’t travel to many foreign countries, including Colombia. When will governments start recognizing us, and treat us like the non threats that we are. John
• 

  Ron August 9, 2020

  Hi John. We All are paying the same price whether it be you in the USA trapped and unable to travel, we here are in the same if not more difficult situation. The country has been closed for months, no way in, no way out except for humanitarian flight. Our bus terminals are closed at this moment and we in Medellin and Bogota and most cities here cannot leave the city without transit papers issued only for essential workers and the priviliged few. We are trapped as you are. The Virus is spreading rapidly here as it is there. Our government is attempting to contain it using draconian and what seems unreasonable measures to keep the virus from spreading. Have patience and keep following Medellin Guru and the official government web sites for updates. Unfortunately we are paying a huge price becausw many citizens worldwide are treating this situation without regard for their own personal safety or the safety of others, therby potentially contracting and spresding a virus that in many cases is asymptomatic. We all pay the price for these reckless individuals. We can also place a lot of the blame on some government leaders who have ignored recommendations by leading health experts, advocating for early reopening of entire countires without heeding expert advice. This reckless behavior is costing you and me and all of us big time. You connect the dots. Pray for a miracle and stay tuned here. Jeff is doing a bang up job stating on top of this slippery slope. Don’t despair but do get your medical documentation in order as having tested positive leaves you in a position to verify you are fit to travel. Good luck, have faith and book your flight, hopefully over the next 3 months you will be able to return, depending on the worlewide situation. Call your airline, they are accepting reservations for as early as September 1, however we are all closely watching the reality of that dream we are being sold. Good luck I apologize for being so long winded. The entire weekend in locked down curfew here begins to make one feel as trapped as you feel or worse.
• 

  Ron August 9, 2020

  Once again I apologize for typos. This keyboard was not meant for human adult hands and my eyesight is failing due to advanced age. Sucks to get old.
• 

  Jeff August 9, 2020

  Buses are operating between cities but you need permission as a passenger, such catching a humanitarian flight with a ticket.

  For example, from the North Bus Terminal in Medellín, Bolivariano has daily buses running between Medellín and Bogotá. https://medellinguru.com/bus-land-transport/
• 

  John August 14, 2020

  Ron… thank you for the well wishes…it does suck everywhere, some places more than others… we have been fairly lucky here in Canada, it is fairly well under control. Today they just extended our border closing with the US until the end of September although I am allowed to fly there, you can’t drive. The reverse isn’t true, you can’t fly into Canada unless you are a Canadian citizen and then you are under quarantine. I think like most places, controls are only as good as the willingness of people to comply. We have a high rate of compliance with such things as the masks and social distancing, although today they just announced an outbreak in a recently opened gentleman’s club and are trying to trace over 500 customers…. the government honestly expected customers and staff to comply with social distancing and masks in a strip bar… you can’t make this stuff up… I am being tested regularly so I am ready to leave the first opportunity I can..
• 

  Ron August 14, 2020

  Hi John. I have friends from Toronto Stranded here since April. This ia so bizarre. Hunker down and stay put is my best suggestion. This is going to take some time for the powers that be here to make such decisions. They have sold us a dream about phased reopening beginning 1 Sept, expecting all to fully normalize by November. Sitting here in Medellin and seeing the REALITY / UNREALITY of this enitre hellish nightmare, I have given up on trying to make concrete sense of any of this. Stay tuned to Medellin guru for current updates. We are blessed to have Jeff sifting through all the red tape. Life here has changed dramatically, I haven’t even been away from my neighborhood since April, due to the quarentine decree in place regarding highly restrictive movement guidelines. Thinkiing about hailing a taxi and going to rionegro airport to board an international flight seems like a fairy tale from my vantage point. Hard to accept any of this. It is all so surreal. Good luck my friend. Praying for a miracle.
• 

  Christopher Regnery August 10, 2020

  This isn’t chicken pox. You of course could get the virus again. The antibody test could also have been wrong. Not to mention the antibodies you would have produced are much less than what a vaccine would give us. You don’t have this protection you think you do and are in an extremely high risk demographic.
• 

  John Galey August 10, 2020

  Christopher states: “You of course could get the virus again.”
  I have researched this. I can find no scientific evidence or scientific claims that humans can get this virus a second time. If it is possible to get it a second time, then it is logical that vast numbers of the 5,000,000 confirmed cases in the United States would have gotten it a second time, and it would be headline news. However, I am aware that there are some viruses that a human can get a second time, but only after many years.
  Christopher also states: “The antibody test could also have been wrong.” That is true. However, I have been tested twice by a company that claims 99% accuracy, and the San Diego Blood Bank has used this lab to screen its blood donors for at least two months.
• 

  Christopher January 28, 2021

  Just because your personal research hasn’t proven fruitful doesn’t mean anything. Absence of evidence is not evidence of absence – especially when you are a layperson. Anyway, which class of coronavirus has ever shown to give lifelong immunity? Seems extremely likely that you can get re-infected. A simple google search yields a lot of results in both The Lancet and Nature, two extremely respected peer-reviewed scientific journals. It would be a lot harder to believe if the opposite was the case – that this thing was more like chickenpox.
  It really seems like your reply is just wishful thinking. Let’s just be happy there are several vaccines already on the market.
73. 

    Ron August 7, 2020

    Not easy in a city of 8 million people or more. Try policing that many people in many neighborhood as dangerous as it gets. Even here in Medellin police think twice before entering. Unfortunate.
74. 

    Tom August 7, 2020

    Wow over 6,000 cases in Bogota yesterday. They need a rolling quarantine and strict pico y cedula like they have in Medellin.
• 

  Sam August 7, 2020

  Agree, they are much stricter in Medellin but Bogota is the COVID19 epicenter in Colombia with many more cases. They need to get much stricter in Bogota.
75. 

    Ramond August 5, 2020

    Hello Jeff,
    I have a questions about the chart that has the table that includes Red departments where total the testing positive rate is 20 percent or higher. Black represents departments with a rate of 10.0 – 19.9, and Green departments where the total testing positive rate is less than 10 percent.

    1) What is the significance of the three colors, Does it mean these areas in Green, are the ones we are starting to see an easing of restrictions? Black means what? I’m pretty sure Red means it’s a hot-zone with the extensive enforcement of restrictions, and strain on health services.
    Essentially, how do these colors relate to the potential reopening of Colombia? Do they all have to be color coded Green, and Black before the re-opening?

    The reason I ask is according to World-meter, here in California we are at 6.3% positive test rate, the US as a whole is at 7.9% positive test rate, and so much of the state, and the US is operating on a very limited opening of many businesses, and services. What does Colombia plan on opening on September 1st when they currently have a positive test rate of 19.4% for the country with a little over three weeks remaining?

    Are they providing a list of things that will be open, and things that will still be closed come September 1st? Will you be posting such a list for the major metropolitan areas like Bogota, Medellin, and Cartagena?

    lastly, Choc’o is listed at 19.6%, however it is in the color Red instead of Black

    Thank you for all of the information you’re providing!
• 

  Jeff August 5, 2020

  The colors are the Medellin Guru’s designation. Red departments have a total testing positive rate is 20 percent or higher. Also, we include green departments where the total testing positive rate is less than 10 percent. This is just the total testing positive since they started testing by department. These colors do not have anything to do with reopening.

  Reopening is by municipality in Colombia and there are hundreds of municipalities in Colombia with no coronavirus cases ever and hundreds more that had cases but no longer have any active cases. So, these municipalities have started to return to more normal.

  Colombia plans to resume international flights over a 3 month period starting with a pilot in September, see: https://medellinguru.com/international-flights/

  Thanks for catching Chocó, it is fixed.
76. 

    Carlo July 31, 2020

    thanks Jeff for answering my question and all your work appreciate it .
77. 

    Carlo July 30, 2020

    Planning on going to Colombia in November 2020 , do i have to quarantine when i get there and is the quarantine going to be lifted by then? i’m coming from the usa. Thanks for the posts and all your work .
• 

  Jeff July 30, 2020

  Details haven’t been published for when international flights resume about the biosafety protocol. We will update our article about international travel when the information is available – https://medellinguru.com/international-flights/
78. 

    Thomas July 26, 2020

    Hm, it seems, they didnt extend general quarantine. So what will follow? Quarantine only in High-Covid-Areas like they did in Bogota?
• 

  Jeff July 26, 2020

  Read this news article in Spanish – according to President Duque, total quarantine for Colombia “is not feasible at the moment because we have many places in the country, many municipalities in the country that after more than 130 days have not registered cases of COVID; we see other municipalities that have not registered a case in three weeks…” https://www.elcolombiano.com/colombia/gobierno-de-colombia-no-evalua-volver-a-cuarentena-total-BG13372883

  So appears they will do things by city with lockdowns in places seeing increases of cases like Bogotá, Medellín, Cali, and so on.
• 

  Thomas July 28, 2020

  Yes, seems to be like in Europe. Whenever an outbreak occurs, the area/city/district is put under lockdown until the numbers get more positive again. Spain is a good example of that as well; they rise the lockdowns again on areas with high COVID-19-rates. I am not worried, Colombia is a great country and it was/is a pleasure to stay here as long as possible 🙂
79. 

    MJ July 6, 2020

    This article as well as others have been so informative as to the issues facing us here in the Aburra Valley. I have gotten off of a few local buses lately as people on the bus have masks on their chin and talk on their cell phones; a few with no masks whatsoever; and today the bus was completely full. The last person got on and was about to take the seat next to me at the front of the bus so I got off the bus and took a taxi. I was under the impression that face masks are mandatory. Is that correct or is it just recommended. The bus that I typically take is Santra Belen 315 or 316. Anyway your information has been tremendously helpful. Thank you to you and your staff.
• 

  Jeff July 6, 2020

  Yes, face masks are required. But this isn’t being enforced very well.
80. 

    Jovan Medina July 6, 2020

    Though a lot of us in the tourism/restaurant industry feel we’ve been hit the hardest by COVID, we’re glad that the country has taken strict precautions to prevent the rapid spread. Today they’ve opened at least a dozen restaurants which is HUGE for the nightlife and entertainment industry. Hopefully, more restaurants get their safety precautions in order and we can slowly get back the new normal.

    Parque Lleras is currently a ghost town and I hope we can enjoy a night out in the town. Something we at one point took for granted. Great article.
81. 

    Marisa June 27, 2020

    Does anyone know of a facebook group or other resource connecting other foreigners in Colombia? I’m planning to take a repatriation flight in the next month, but I was wondering if there was a resource to connect folks who might be able to share rides to the airport. I’m quite a ways from Bogotá, and I reckon other people are in similar situations…
• 

  Jeff June 27, 2020

  See our guide to humanitarian flights with a schedule of flights – https://medellinguru.com/humanitarian-flights/

  See the big Medellin Facebook group to connect with others in Medellín – https://www.facebook.com/groups/159461177529433/

  Or if in another city, see our guide to Facebook groups in Colombia – https://medellinguru.com/medellin-facebook-groups/
• 

  Marisa June 29, 2020

  Thank you so much! 🙂
82. 

    John E Bade June 15, 2020

    Just a quick note on the daily deaths data:

    The daily reported deaths are not people who necessarily died today or yesterday. Deaths can take up to two weeks to show up on the INS spreadsheet. The daily deaths chart would be a bit more accurate if you based it on the “fecha de muerte” column.

    It’s not a big deal and probably doesn’t make a difference in the long run, but I thought I’d pass this along.
• 

  Jeff June 15, 2020

  Hi John, thanks. Yes, noticed that but decided to keep with the date deaths are reported by INS so people aren’t confused to see INS report deaths for the day and a different number show up in the chart. Added to the article that the date is reported date.

  Also, reporting by “fecha de muerte” would be more complex, as would have to completely update the chart each day to account for any changes for prior days instead of just adding one day. INS is constantly updating records in the spreadsheet they publish.
83. 

    Jackd June 6, 2020

    Hello, has anyone information about when people can ride cars inside Antioquia?
    is there any possibility to move from one place to another?
    My friend was moving from Medellin to La Ceja, but half of things left in old place ,when quarantine started in march, maybe some moving companies work or transport companies?
• 

  Jeff June 6, 2020

  You can contact a moving company to ask. We listed a moving companies in our article about moving in Medellín, which you can contact – https://medellinguru.com/moving-medellin/
84. 

    Don Picard June 4, 2020

    Jeff, hi first I want to thank you for keeping non Spanish speaking up to date. I was starting classes when this lock down. So I am thank full that the government eased the walking times, I am over 70 but I walk every day. It is very good for your heart. Again I think the we need to look at this virus in context with other health problems. Older people need their exercise of walking, Many more people are dying from heart problems in Colombia then from this virus. We need to always look at the whole health problems not just one. I will get off my soap box. Thank you again for all the updates. Don
85. 

    Ron June 3, 2020

    Any idea on how foreign travellers will be handled when airlines start coming in? Isolation? Tests?
• 

  Jeff June 3, 2020

  The government hasn’t provide that information yet. When they do we will update our article about international flights returning to Colombia – https://medellinguru.com/international-flights/
86. 

    Lawrence Robert Rose May 18, 2020

    5 junio… es un rumor? Mi esposa lo escucho anoche. Por TV! Pero esta manana no hay nada.
87. 

    Sexy FC May 14, 2020

    Only God knows until the quarantine is gonna be totally lifted for the world. This pandemic is such a crisis and despite of technology we humans feel very powerless against it…
88. 

    Nico May 11, 2020

    Really appreciated!
    Your work is outstanding.
    Thanks for doing this.
89. 

    Nico May 11, 2020

    This is wonderful
    1) Why is it so difficult to find a graph of new daily deaths in Colombia?
    No one has it and it is quite informative
    2) who is being tested in Colombia? Only symptimatic people? Random people? I couldn’ find the answer, not even in your specialozed article
• 

  Jeff May 11, 2020

  Thanks! We publish a graph of the daily deaths in Colombia, it’s in our Colombia coronavirus death rate article – https://medellinguru.com/colombia-coronavirus-death-rate/. We added this graph to the above article about Coronavirus in Colombia that is updated daily.

  Colombia is not testing random people. Colombia primarily tests people with symptoms and also contacts of infected people. Not many countries test random people. We have a separate article that looks at COVID-19 testing in Colombia in detail – https://medellinguru.com/covid-19-testing/
90. 

    Terry Andresen May 7, 2020

    Jeff, thank you so much for this service you are providing regarding the coronavirus in Colombia. I’m wondering if you have any information regarding Medellin’s pico y cedula schedule after this Friday, May 8th?
• 

  Jeff May 7, 2020

  We have the Pico y Cedula schedule published for up to May 10 – https://medellinguru.com/pica-y-cedula/ that covers all 10 municipalities in the Aburrá Valley.

  Haven’t seen published anywhere yet if they plan to repeat that schedule for the next two weeks for the extension of the quarantine. We’ll update our Pico y Cedula schedule when we find an update.
• 

  Jeff May 7, 2020

  Confirmed that the Pico y Cedula schedule for the past two weeks will be the same schedule for the two weeks starting on May 11 – https://medellinguru.com/pica-y-cedula/
91. 

    Peter Jones May 2, 2020

    Hey Jeff, thanks so much for all your hard work in keeping this article up to date. It is a really invaluable source of information.

    it’s so great to see that Medellin has only one new confirmed case today. Looks like the strict lock down (well apart from the group of Venezuelans I can see out my window who seem to be carrying on like nothing happened) has paid off and we are definitely heading in the right direction.

    I really hope the government doesn’t lift the current national travel restrictions any time soon which I think would likely put us on the upward curve again.
• 

  Ron May 2, 2020

  I agree wholeheartedly. I like the direction we are headed in and protecting human lives is the goal. Even if it takes a while longer. Until there is a vaccine we can never be sure of anything. Perhaps when we do open up the country to international air travel people on the other side will need to be tested by an accepted method and or be quarantined for a period of time upon arrival. This is complicated and will not be easily resolved. This is no picnic living under these circumstances, however, they say of one does not bend they will break, lets not be overly anxious to put ourselves in harms way.
92. 

    Raymond April 21, 2020

    I saw this in the article on this page. https://medellinguru.com/coronavirus-in-colombia/ “starting on March 20, all adults older than 70 in Colombia (foreigners or Colombian citizens) must stay on their homes with only a few exceptions”. What I don’t see and haven’t found anywhere are the exceptions. I’m in the over 70 group and haven’t left my apartment for over three weeks but wouldn’t mind short breaks from the confinement. Anyone know what the exceptions are. BTW I am in Cali and a permanent resident.
• 

  Jeff April 21, 2020

  Exceptions are to go to grocery stores and pharmacies and will have to follow Pico y Cedula restrictions if there still are restrictions in Cali.
• 

  Lawrence Robert Rose April 26, 2020

  Jeff, but if I have younger family members can I still go out? As of now my wife does the errands… younger. if I take a turn am I going to be deported or in prison? Ambiguous.
• 

  Jeff April 26, 2020

  Sorry, we aren’t lawyers. And things changes so fast here, hard to keep up with changes daily and even hourly. For example, announcing this physical activity rule for Medellín and the Aburrá Valley that starts on Monday on a Sunday night.
• 

  Ron April 26, 2020

  Smart answer Jeff. My lawyer said deportation can happen if we flagrantly ignore the decrees. What a nightmare that would be.
93. 

    George April 19, 2020

    Here in the US the epidemiologists and infectious disease people are recommending that a gradual reopening of things happen after 14 straight days of lower numbers of new cases. They also are recommending a greatly increased testing capacity which seems to be a problem. And then only in phases and with close monitoring of new “spikes” in cases. Seems to me like prudent advice for anywhere.
94. 

    Michael April 19, 2020

    Jeff Myth 3 seems moot as in Colombia the people getting infected the most are age 20 to 59 …( age group 30-39 the largest) which is opposite of what China had seen, interesting it Colombia’s age groups more mirror what is happening in the United States. One trend that seem to be in the US is the Black and Latino communities have a higher rate of infection leading some to study if there is a genetic factor ( I think it might be more economic as these two communities work in the service industry essential services in larger numbers than white Americans…)
• 

  Jeff April 20, 2020

  The facts don’t support you. Out of 179 deaths so far in Colombia from coronavirus, 131 (73 percent of the total coronavirus deaths) were aged 60 or higher. And for age 30-39, Colombia has experienced only 7 deaths or 3.9 percent of deaths as of April 19. Death rates vary by age in Colombia just like in China, see below as of April 19:

  1,832 cases so far in Colombia aged 0-39 with 12 deaths = 0.65 percent death rate.
  847 cases so far in Colombia aged 30-39 with 7 deaths = 0.83 percent death rate.

  For older people:

  373 cases so far in Colombia aged 60-69 with 46 deaths = 12.3 percent death rate.
  232 cases so far in Colombia aged 70-79 with 50 deaths = 21.6 percent death rate.
  109 cases so far in Colombia aged 80 or older with 35 deaths = 32.1 percent death rate.

  So, the death rates Colombia is experiencing for older people infected with coronavirus appears to be higher than in China.
95. 

    Lawrence Robert Rose April 19, 2020

    April 19… Looks like the Alcaldesa of Bogota is not going to follow Duque about reopening next week. Do you have any info on that? Will the mayor of Medellin follow suit? I know that kids and seniors will continue isolation until May 30. Congrats on Sabaneta being new case free. BUT I HAVE AN URGE FOR A GIANT BUNUELO. Stay safe Jeff…
• 

  Ron April 19, 2020

  We will be free when it is appropriate and prudent. In the meantime you can prepare buñuelos at home or order them in. Unlike other places on earth politricks and special interest groups will not determine when it will be safe to reopen. Our health is paramount. Partying will need to be put on hold for a time. I don’t think any of us have been deprived in the past. We can tough it out for a while
96. 

    salsa April 15, 2020

    good info, solid reporting
97. 

    Bryan Galetano April 5, 2020

    Hi Jeff, I’m a fellow Texan (Austin), have been visiting MDE for over 10 years, and finally bought a place and have permanent residency. Love your articles, and look forward to meeting you on an upcoming Guru event…once this CV stuff has passed! Quick question: I flew back to MDE a few weeks ago and recently completed the mandatory, 14-day home quarantine. However, I was never informed to check in daily; therefore never did. Can this create a problem when I decide to go to the grocery store? If so, how can this be rectified? Thanks much, Bryan
• 

  Jeff April 5, 2020

  No, won’t create a problem for you. Just make sure you follow the Pico y Cedula rules that limit the days you can go grocery shopping based on the last digit of your ID – https://medellinguru.com/pica-y-cedula/ and you may have to carry your passport with you to show you have been here more than 14 days.
98. 

    Mike April 2, 2020

    Obviously exhaustive and rich in raw facts diced bite-sized. Thanks for such good work.
99. 

    Robert Scott March 31, 2020

    Jeff,

    I applied for an M-3 pensionado visa about 1 month ago with the reasonable belief that I was able to satisfy all the 4 requirements that were disclosed by my visa agent. The office of immigration set an open appointment for me to come to there office in Bogota on the morning of March 17. I went to there office when it opened in the morning and a few hours later I had a short meeting with an immigration official and was asked about my living expenses and a few other details such as was I married etc. As the interview closed the official said they would study my income statements and inform me of their decision by email within 5 days. The next day when I arrived back in Pereira I received notice that they rejected my application for this visa without an explanation for the refusal. I surmise that the only legitimate grounds for this refusal was that some of my income is derived from dividends on equity investments which are not guauranteed. However, I also have income from a monthly social security check from the U.S. government which they did not know about because my visa agent said something to the effect that I had to meet the income requirement from one source and not combined sources of income. That said, do you know of an appeal process that i can use to request a reconsideration or a reopening in this case on the grounds that all my income was not taken into consideration when they rejected my application? ??? If so, who do I contact or how do I pursue an appeal in this case?
• 

  Jeff March 31, 2020

  I recommend contacting the visa agency we partnered with – they may be able to help you. Click on the blue “Use the Medellin Guru Visa Service” button in our article about the Colombia retirement visa – https://medellinguru.com/retirement-visa/

  This will bring up a page where you can chat at the bottom right with the visa agency we partnered with.
100. 

     Tom T March 31, 2020

     Thanks very much for all the helpful and useful information. One thing I don’t see is what to do if you think you have it. Essentially I’m trying to find out if there is a phone number to use for those of us whose Spanish is limited. Also I thought I saw somewhere that there is also a Whatsapp number set up but I can’t seem to find it anywhere now. But some kind of phone list would certainly be helpful. Thanks again
• 

  Jeff March 31, 2020

  Thanks for the comment, when we update the article today we will add contact phone numbers.
101. 

     Michael murphy March 30, 2020

     Masks absolutely do help. If everyone wore a mask then those in public who are asymptomatic spreaders would not so easily spread and masks do help limit the intake of particles even if not perfectly. Mask wearing by everyone also helps lower the inoculum (viral load) of those who do get exposed so that also helps increase the number of survivors. The proof of this is easily noticed by behavior in Asia where they much more experience with epidemics. Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Singapore where public mask-wearing is mandatory have much better control of the spread. Western health officials downplay the wearing of masks to cover up their embarrassment of not stockpiling sufficient supply of masks to make a difference like they do in the countries mentioned above. These officials are forced to be disingenuous in order to try to preserve mask supply for health workers. In the Czech Republic, the wife of national hero Vaclav Havel insisted on everyone wearing a mask in public and everyone in the country made their own masks right away and their numbers are way below neighboring countries.
• 

  Jeff March 31, 2020

  Hi Michael, thanks. I added to the article a quote from George Gao, Director-General of the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):

  “The big mistake in the U.S. and Europe, in my opinion, is that people aren’t wearing masks. This virus is transmitted by droplets and close contact. Droplets play a very important role—you’ve got to wear a mask, because when you speak, there are always droplets coming out of your mouth. Many people have asymptomatic or pre-symptomatic infections. If they are wearing face masks, it can prevent droplets that carry the virus from escaping and infecting others.”
• 

  Michael Murphy March 31, 2020

  “COVID-19: WHY WE SHOULD ALL WEAR MASKS  — THERE IS NEW SCIENTIFIC RATIONALE” by Sui Huang https://medium.com/@Cancerwarrior/covid-19-why-we-should-all-wear-masks-there-is-new-scientific-rationale-280e08ceee71
• 

  Ron April 1, 2020

  Great link. Thanks. Stay safe. The party is over. At least for the foreseeable future. Colombians have learned that we all need to sober up and comply with the decrees that can save lives. Yes we can!!!
102. 

     Ivan March 27, 2020

     Thank you for this Jeff! Would appreciate if you could keep updating this post daily so we can stay current with the fluid situation in Medellin! Hope that is not too much trouble, and I’m confident Colombia will slow the spread enough, given government measures. I only hope Colombians will take this quarantine more seriously as I still see people out and about in groups of 2 – 3 from my window.
• 

  Jeff March 27, 2020

  Yes, we update this article every day with the current case count in Colombia plus include the case count in each city in Colombia.

  With all the measures Colombia has put in place, I believe Colombia has a good opportunity to flatten the curve.
103. 

     Cassidy March 25, 2020

     Hi Jeff,

     My travel visa expires during the time of the March 24 – April 13 quarantine. Is the immigration office still open to renew in person or should I try online?

     Thanks so much for your time and research.
• 

  Jeff March 25, 2020

  Things are in limbo now. The Migracion office is closed and several readers are reporting online tourist visa extensions appear to be stuck with no approvals.
104. 

     Ron March 20, 2020

     Nice message. Sadly many Colombians and Expats here are totally rebellious to being told what to do. As long as a percentage of people refuse to obey laws the greater the risk of the virus spreading. We live in a very dangerous place filled with many who refuse to be told anything. Good luck to us all. For those of us who don”t believe that this is true then I suggest you ask your.Colombian friends and neighbors who will set you straight. Don’t depend solely on expat perspectives many of us because of the language barrier don’t bother to learn the culture, Insulating ourselves. Denial.is not a river in Egypt. Good luck to all of us. Read the government decree available to all of us.
• 

  Mark March 24, 2020

  I am in Colombia awaiting approval for my M1 visa. My salvo conductor expires on the 27th. Are they still possessing during the shutdown
• 

  Jeff March 24, 2020

  Yes, confirmed today still processing visas electronically. But slower than normal, likely due to increased volume.
• 

  Ron March 25, 2020

  I just checked their website. Looks like business as usual.
  Give them a call or go there in the morning.
  Director: Wilson Patiño
  Migracion Colombia
  Calle 19 # 80A – 40 | Barrio Belén la Nubia
  Teléfono: [57] [4] 345-5500
  Medellín – Antioquia
• 

  Jeff March 25, 2020

  According to the visa agency we partnered with that works with Migracion on a daily basis, I was told yesterday the Migracion office in Belén is closed until further notice due to the quarantine.

  Also, the Cancelleria office in Bogotá is closed.
105. 

     Henry Lewis March 20, 2020

     I’m an American who’s been living in Rionegro for the past 2 years and I’m a university teacher, researcher and writer. While I truly hope Colombia will be an exception to the current rapid transmission of COVID-19 we’re seeing in Europe and the USA, I wouldn’t give tourists a false sense of security that staying in Colombia is going to somehow be safer or healthier for them. This virus is easily transmissible and the situation on the ground can change very quickly. There’s little doubt that Colombia’s health care system is facing huge challenges right now. Local medical experts say the system was underfunded and severely stressed even before COVID-19 arrived on the country’s doorstep. Without a major intervention from President Duque’s invocation of Santa Maria, the situation in the country’s largest cities is likely to deteriorate very quickly. While I’m staying in Colombia for now, it’s up to each foreign traveler to assess the situation and make an informed decision on their own. Best wishes to all. Cuidate bien.
106. 

     John March 19, 2020

     Do you know of any restrictions for leaving Colombia? International travel outbound from Colombia will still be allowed? Any idea on what airlines will continue service to the USA if conditions in Medellin deteriorate?

     Thank you for providing this information!
• 

  Jeff March 19, 2020

  Airlines may stop flying with empty or near empty (maybe some cargo) going one way. We will find out in a few days. Suspect Avianca will keep some of its international flights.
• 

  Ron March 20, 2020

  I suggest you check with the US department of state website and look for colombia to see latest updates and check with your airline. I would not count on being able to leave here anytime soon. The world is in lockdown mode. You can also access the Colombian consulate general office web site. Miami, Atlanta, NY. Chicago etc. I believe their sites should be able to provide current information which seems to be changing constantly. Good luck stay safe and keep a cool head.
107. 

     GATO March 19, 2020

     Fast moving developments…. Monday – incoming foreign flights to cease, including international transit. that means no way to get home (to Colombia)

     Pretty soon airlines might just stop altogether (Why fly near/empty plane and putting crew at risk?), meaning tourists and others wont be able to leave

     https://colombiareports.com/with-closing-of-international-airports-colombia-goes-on-lockdown/

     this means I can’t even just get passport stamped to maintain M visa

     and 40+ foreigners expelled for not complying with self-quarantinie. way to ruin it for all of us!! (only 1 citizen reported so far)
108. 

     Tony March 17, 2020

     Hello Jeff
     I am a Canadian. My visitor visa was extended for another three months from Feb. 7th. I would like to know due to the Coronavirus situation would I be able to get further extension on my tourist visa or possession without penalty.
     Thanks
• 

  Jeff March 17, 2020

  Unfortunately, you are limited to 180 days as a tourist in Colombia consecutively or in a calendar year, see our article about tourist visas for more details – https://medellinguru.com/tourist-visa/

  However, one of the Colombian visas may be a fit for your situation if you need to extend your time more – https://medellinguru.com/colombia-visa-guide/
109. 

     James Barrowman March 16, 2020

     Great article Jeff. I’m on a 6 month tourist visa (3+3 extension). If you can’t leave on time due to flight cancellations, any word if there’s any leniency to the normal penalties? Many may be in the same boat. Thanks!
• 

  Scott Burger March 16, 2020

  I am in the same boat with a M1 visa. I am coming close to the six months. The last email that I got from expatgroup.co stated as of today, there is nothing yet. I am still waiting to hear more.

  Correct me if I am wrong please. :):)
• 

  Jeff March 16, 2020

  Unable to find out today a definitive answer from visa agencies or Migracion or lawyers. Nothing confirmed but assumption from a few I talked to today is that a foreigner with a Migrant (M) Visa outside of Colombia will be allowed entry.

  Keep in mind that the locking down Colombia policy was implemented yesterday on a Sunday as an emergency policy. So, it may take a while before a comprehensive policy is published by the Colombian government. As soon as we find out a definitive answer we will update our article.
• 

  Jeff March 17, 2020

  Confirmed today that foreigners can travel to Colombia with a M visa or R visa but will be subject to a 2 week self-quarantine. Can’t travel with a V visa or as a tourist.
110. 

     Mark Arthur Weaver March 16, 2020

     Thanks great piece, keep up the good work!, Dr,Marco!
111. 

     Ant March 16, 2020

     Jeff,

     Thanks again for a very timely and informative article.
112. 

     Iain Doherty March 15, 2020

     Cite your source. I have a flight booked tomorrow. IATA is not confirming this.
• 

  Jeff March 16, 2020

  All over the local news, for example – https://www.elcolombiano.com/colombia/este-lunes-inicia-restriccion-de-ingreso-de-extranjeros-a-colombia-por-covid-19-BH12624410.

  Also in international news – https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-colombia/colombia-will-block-entry-by-all-non-residents-from-monday-to-stop-coronavirus-idUSKBN21211B

  President of Colombia Iván Duque announced this on Sunday via Twitter.
113. 

     James March 15, 2020

     Great update, Jeff, thank you.

     How about foreigners who are already in Colombia? I arrived in Colombia a month ago, and my tourist visa lasts until the middle of May. And I would prefer not to fly back to the US right now, as it’s not clear that US cities would be any safer from the virus or related actions than Medellin. I would prefer to remain in Medellin for the duration of my visa, or maybe even try to extend it for another 90 days when the time comes. Do these announcements apply to foreigners already in the country or just new arrivals?
• 

  Jeff March 15, 2020

  Hi James, thanks.

  The announcement is only for new foreigners arriving. Since you are already here you will be able to extend your tourist visa/stamp about a week before it expires for another 90 days. See our popular article about extending a tourist visa – https://medellinguru.com/tourist-visa/

  I suspect many tourists that are already here will be extending their time here, as things don’t look good in the U.S. or Europe or Asia.
114. 

     Joe March 15, 2020

     American Airlines airline has already announced that it will cancel its operation to Cartagena from March 17. Other airlines will surely follow.
115. 

     Joe March 15, 2020

     Colombian President Iván Duque announced this Sunday that no foreigner, except those with residence, will be allowed to enter the country as of Monday, March 16, as part of the expansion of measures to control the expansion of the coronavirus.
• 

  Jeff March 15, 2020

  Yes, thanks in the process of updating the article.
• 

  Jeff March 15, 2020

  Article is now updated to show that no foreigner, except those with residence, will be allowed to enter Colombia as of Monday, March 16.
• 

  Scott Burger March 15, 2020

  is this for for all countries or just Europe and Asia? https://www.elpais.com.co/ultimo-minuto/duque-cierra-frontera-con-venezuela-y-restringe-acceso-a-extranjeros-por-coronavirus.html
• 

  Jeff March 15, 2020

  Starting March 16 it is for all countries. See announcement by President Iván Duque – President Iván Duque – https://twitter.com/IvanDuque/status/1239232072155303936
116. 

     GATO March 14, 2020

     gracias. well the # keep changing. I was referring to the rules and procedures. and also monitor the official Migraciones site (en Espanol)

     https://www.migracioncolombia.gov.co/noticias
• 

  Jeff March 14, 2020

  Yes, # keeps changing.

  And several Medellin Guru readers traveling from other countries like Panama, Costa Rica and Mexico, not just Ecuador and the U.S. sent comments via email that had to fill out the form.

  Migracion Colombia posted that starting on March 12 the declaration of “Preventive Control Against Coronavirus” form was for travelers arriving in Colombia from all countries. You could have traveled to one of the risky countries in the past 2 weeks before coming to Colombia from a less risky country.
117. 

     Norman March 14, 2020

     Just to let you know, there may have been a change to who has to complete the online form. I am flying from Panama via Copa to Bogota tomorrow and, when I went to check in online, there was the following banner at the top of the page. I could have checked in without it but did it to be safe.
     ‘
     Due to the outbreak of COVID-19, Colombia’s Migration Authorities are requesting all travelers to fill out the Preventive Control form before traveling. Click here to fill it out.’

     This is the linked page – http://www.migracioncolombia.gov.co/controlpreventivocontraelcoronavirus
• 

  Jeff March 14, 2020

  Thanks, the article is updated.
118. 

     GATO March 14, 2020

     Colombia just announced ban on foreigners (non residents) from Europe and Asia, just like EEU did 2 days ago

     https://colombiareports.com/coronavirus-colombia-to-close-borders-for-foreign-visitors-from-europe-and-asia/

     Still planning June trip but monitoring the situation – at the very minimum get Migracion to stamp the passport to reset the M visa clock, and take next flight out (Already asked lawyer about waive 180-day – not counting on it)
• 

  Jeff March 14, 2020

  Thanks, the article is updated with information that starting on Monday, Colombia will ban foreign visitors from Europe and Asia. Also, updated the article with information that the border with Venezuela was closed today.
• 

  Peter Jones March 14, 2020

  Closing the border with Venezuela will make very little difference as the border is incredibly porous all the way along the Tachira river. The only issue is whether you have a few usd to pay someone to take you across in a raft or canoe (at some points you can even just wade across).
• 

  GATO March 14, 2020

  Mexico’s southern border was porous too, the Suchiate river. They sent the National Guard and helped greatly reduce the illegal aliens invasion (95% of asylum cases are bogus)

  Colombian Military can do the same here. I really hope Venezuela doesn’t get any cases as their health care system is in no condition to deal with it.
• 

  Ron March 14, 2020

  Almost the same as that wall between Mexico and the USA. a complete waste of time and money and resources.
• 

  Mario. March 15, 2020

  I saw a news video today in Caracol tv with hundreds of illegal Venezuelan citizans crossing the border illegally in the province of North Santander,and the army and the police just watching them,the virus is already in Venezuela and is spreading fast,AND AS ALWAYS DICTATOR NICOLAS MADURO,IS FALSELY BLAMING COLOMBIA,there is no doctors,medicines and hospital to attend sick people so expect the death rate in Venezuela to be very high!
119. 

     Joe March 13, 2020

     One big issue is you won’t be able to get travel insurance for corona virus at the moment.
120. 

     Scott Burger March 13, 2020

     Jeff:

     I have to get back to Colombia because my M1 visa will expire. Is the Colombian government going to waive the 6 month being outside of the country because of the Corona Virus
• 

  Jeff March 13, 2020

  We haven’t seen anything announced about waiving the 6 month limit for being out of the country with M visas.

  I recommend asking the visa agency we partnered with using the chat at the bottom right on this page – https://visasincolombia.com/
• 

  Ron March 14, 2020

  You need to consult with the government office. I would hope so. If not I imagine you will pay a penalty.
121. 

     Joseph Mathews March 13, 2020

     Link below to the mandatory form from Migracion Colombia. It’s numbered and once submitted it will be examined along with your passport. This is the most thorough attempt to prevent the spread of the virus,, but, as notied in this fine article, time will tell how effective it will be longer term. We have posponed are arrival in Medellin until June 1 and will look at conditions shortly before departure from the U.S.

     https://www.migracioncolombia.gov.co/controlpreventivocontraelcoronavirus
122. 

     john March 13, 2020

     Jeff. Thanks for a very clear, simple and informative article.
123. 

     Robert Broad March 13, 2020

     Excellent presentation.
• 

  Gary March 15, 2020

  Does an Migrant Visa count as foreign resident for the purpose of entry March 16 and onwards?
• 

  Jeff March 15, 2020

  Since it is Sunday places like visa agencies are closed. Will try to find out tomorrow.
• 

  Sean T March 15, 2020

  Thank you – I am also interested in this answer as I have an M-visa.
• 

  James Neumann July 15, 2020

  International flights are still postponed until August 31 as of today?
• 

  Jeff July 15, 2020

  Yes, international flights are scheduled to resume on September 1 – https://medellinguru.com/international-flights/ and we will update our articles if this changes.

  But there are many international humanitarian flights still flying – https://medellinguru.com/humanitarian-flights/
124. 

     Ron March 13, 2020

     Avoid crowds. Especially the metro, buses, enclosed restaurants and bars and do not shake hands. Avoid sex workers completely.
125. 

     Steve March 13, 2020

     Do they check based on nationality or if you actually have been to any of the riskier countries? Like if you arrive with a German passport but don’t live there or visited there recently.
• 

  Jeff March 13, 2020

  It seems they check to see if you have been riskier countries recently. I met an expat born in the U.S. who arrived today from Panama but hasn’t been to the U.S. in over a year and he said wasn’t screened.
• 

  Derek May 18, 2020

  Great coverage, Jeff. Thank you.
• 

  Daniel Goldsmith July 22, 2020

  Thank you for this great article. I am from Canada and have booked to visit Cartagena Sept 17-29 and I hope international flights do open September 1st
• 

  Michael Moy August 17, 2020

  I am looking to return to Cartagena in September and will probably just hold up in the Hilton Resort. Any issues I should look out for? I will be coming from Hilton Head SC USA
• 

  Ron August 17, 2020

  Hope for the best and expect the worst, Nothing is guaranteed or written in stone at this moment. It is nice to dream. That’s all any of us can do at this point
• 

  Kej February 12, 2021

  the rankings about Colombia ranking ahead of countries like the US and Germany in terms of health care is completely ridiculious. I have a friend in Colombia and I’m constantly paying out of pocket to help her with medical issues that in theory are covered by “free health care.” The truth is the system is poor and the quality of care is not anywhere near the level of care that would be available in the US or Germany. I do believe it compares favorably with other countries in Latin America. The high ranking might be due to the fact that Colombia guarantees health care for people and the US doesn’t, but the actual quality of care delivered in Colombia is nowhere near what the US delivers. That’s my opinion based on actual experience.
• 

  Ron March 15, 2020

  2 week quarantine I think.
• 

  Jeff March 15, 2020

  President Iván Duque announced on Sunday, March 15, that no foreigner, except those with residence, will be allowed to enter Colombia as of March 16, as part of the expansion of measures to control the expansion of the coronavirus. If you are a foreign resident, will need a 14 day quarantine when arrive.
• 

  Azu March 17, 2020

  Thank you so much for this info. I have been travelling in Colombia for the past 1.5 month and I am waiting it out for the situation to improve. I would love to know what the situation is for domestic flights. I postponed my flight from Bogota and Medellin and wanted to use it later (hopefully in one or two months). I have stuff to pick up in Medellin. Could it be that I will be denied the flight as a foreigner? I have been in South america for more than 4 months.
• 

  Jeff March 18, 2020

  No, won’t be denied domestic flights in Colombia due to being a foreigner.
• 

  Norm March 13, 2021

  I do not believe the Colombian government has the funds necessary to order the millions of doses of vaccine required to inoculate the entire population in the next 90 days.

  If it happens, it will be yet another year of self-quarantine. I don’t think I can take another year of home prison.

  How can a U.S. citizen living in Colombia on a retirement visa go home to the U.S. (any state, cost isn’t the issue) and get the JOHNSON & JOHNSON vaccine administered, which only requires a single injection (the others require a minimum three-week stay in the U.S.)?

  My best friend lives in Nevada and told me yesterday (3/12/21) that he just got his second injection. He said it was easy to get inoculated in Nevada due to his age alone.
• 

  Jeff March 13, 2021

  Colombia never planned to order the millions of doses of vaccine required to inoculate the entire population in the next 90 days.. See Colombia’s vaccination plan – Colombia, a country with a population of about 50 million people, hopes to vaccinate some 35 million people in 2021.- https://medellinguru.com/covid-19-vaccinations-in-colombia/
• 

  Norm March 13, 2021

  I am age 72 and a resident of Medellín.

  According to the very comprehensive article you published here https://medellinguru.com/covid-19-vaccinations-in-colombia/ I am in Phase 2 of the rollout plan.

  Phase 1 was 1.8 million people and according to the article, should be completed by the end of March. The article said that by early March, Colombia had received 2 million doses (enough for 1 million people), with most of the vaccine coming from Russia. So it appears that Phase 1 has been covered.

  Phase 2 represents 7.2 million people. According to the article Colombia has acquired sufficient vaccine to inoculate 25.5 million people. The article is not clear on when these various vaccines will be delivered, although it does mention Colombia has a vaccination deal to provide 35 million doses over the balance of 2021 and early 2022. (35 million doses covers 17.5 million people)

  So Phase 2 should be starting soon, before the end of March and continue through April. Since the numbers are countrywide, the only thing mentioned about Antioquia is there will be enough vaccine for around 3,000 people before the end of March. Since there are 7 million people in the Phase 2 group nationwide, the plan would have that Phase 2 population fully covered by the end of May at the latest.

  I am not a math wizard and trying to correlate between doses and the number of arms to jab once or twice, my numbers are a bit goosey.

  But assuming things work as planned and the government can acquire enough vaccine, people like me in Phase 2 can maybe expect to be vaccinated by the end of May. It is of course possible that the inoculation plan and delivery of supplies could be accelerated.
• 

  Jeff March 13, 2021

  Look at the rollout schedule in the article. And if someone was infected with COVID-19, reportedly they only plan to give one dose, not two. So, it is complex.
• 

  MD April 26, 2021

  This time coronavirous pandemic how can go to Colombia . I am already vaccine complete second dose .I can trivial go to Colombia ? What requirements needed coronavirus document?
• 

  Jeff April 26, 2021

  NO, you need a PCR test. Being vaccinated does not matter – https://medellinguru.com/colombia-require-covid-19-test/
• 

  Johnny April 26, 2020

  There are no experts especially in Colombia!!!!
  Supposed top epidemiologist in Colombia predicted 800 DEATHS by April 19th . On that date there were less then 200
  Nothing but scare tactics.
  Watch out !!!!! as rioting,looting and robberies will accelerate in the coming weeks.
• 

  Marco April 26, 2020

  That´s what a lockdown on an early stage is for ; to cut the hosts from feeding the virus spread.

  At least Colombia learned from the mistakes of Italy, Spain, UK, usa… That; and also having a functional government that believes in science and facts.
• 

  George April 26, 2020

  Amén brother. I find that people don’t understand prediction modeling or what flattening the curve really means.
• 

  Ken March 13, 2021

  As of today according to ourworldindata.org Colombia has given at least one dose of a vaccine to 1.1 percent of its population. It’s gonna be a long road. In the US with all its resources, it took several months to get it going at a high volume daily. Whatever timetable the Colombian government may have given at the beggining is probably vastly underestimated.
• 

  rg August 25, 2020

  What will be the process in traveling to Colombia from the US? I’m assuming 14 day quarantine at minimum.
• 

  Jeremy P Day February 1, 2021

  What are the rules concerning facemasks and toddlers?

  An Uber driver recently complained to Uber that our 15-month-old toddler was not wearing a mask. Uber upheld the complaint and said that local laws required facemasks regardless of age.

  Having said that, our son has been allowed to airports, airplanes, hospitals, malls, stores, etc. without any issue whatsoever.

  Where can information be found concerning this detail about the law in Antioquia.

  It irks me a bit that Uber is supporting this claim by the driver without a source.

  Any ideas?
• 

  Jeff February 1, 2021

  Wearing a face mask is reportedly required, regardless of age.

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