Coronavirus In Bolivia: Tracking The Outbreak

Bolivia, one of the poorest countries in South America, reported its first two cases of COVID-19 on March 10, 2020. Since then, the country has been battling the virus and its consequences. As of September 2024, Bolivia has reported 1.11 million confirmed COVID-19 cases, with a recovery rate of 96% and a fatality rate of 2%. The pandemic has affected various aspects of life in the country, from healthcare and travel to farming and nutrition.

Bolivia's first two cases

On March 10, 2020, Bolivia reported its first two confirmed cases of COVID-19, as announced by Health Minister Anibal Cruz in a public address. Cruz did not disclose any further details about the two cases during his announcement. However, it was reported that the infected individuals had contracted the virus after returning from Europe and that they had been completely isolated. Health officials urged people to avoid leaving the country unless it was an emergency.

The confirmation of these first two cases marked a significant development in the global spread of the coronavirus, which was first detected in Wuhan, China, in December 2019. By March 2020, the virus had spread to over 107 countries worldwide, and the global death toll had surpassed 4,260, with more than 118,100 confirmed cases.

The arrival of COVID-19 in Bolivia raised concerns about the country's ability to manage the outbreak and the potential impact on its healthcare system. As the number of cases continued to rise globally, countries implemented various measures to contain the spread, including travel restrictions, social distancing, and, in some cases, complete lockdowns.

The initial response to Bolivia's first two cases was focused on containment and preventing further spread. Health officials emphasized the importance of early diagnosis and monitoring of close contacts. They also advised against non-essential travel, encouraging people to remain in the country to reduce the risk of exposure and transmission.

As the world continues to grapple with the COVID-19 pandemic, the early response and management of the first cases in Bolivia highlight the ongoing challenges and the need for a coordinated global effort to control the spread of the virus.

Travel restrictions

As of June 2024, there are several travel restrictions in place in Bolivia in response to the coronavirus pandemic.

International Travel Restrictions

All passengers arriving in Bolivia by air must present a negative PCR test, taken within 72 hours of their arrival, and are required to quarantine for 10 days, taking another PCR test on the 7th day of quarantine. Children over the age of 5 are also required to present a negative PCR test. Tourists must also show proof of medical insurance that will cover the cost of treatment.

Internal Travel Restrictions

A curfew is in place in La Paz from Monday to Friday between 10 pm and 5 am. At the weekend, the curfew starts earlier, at 8 pm. Local authorities may impose different restrictions, and schools remain closed. Throughout the country, a distance of 1.5m must be maintained between people in public places, and facemasks must be worn, including outside.

Penalties

Penalties for breaching these conditions include fines, public service, and imprisonment.

Vaccination requirements

As of November 2022, Bolivia does not require a vaccination certificate to enter the country. However, as of September 2022, Bolivia is open for tourism from the UK, and unvaccinated travellers are required to present negative PCR or Antigen test results before arrival. Travellers who are fully vaccinated do not need to present a negative test.

All international travellers, including those from Argentina, must obtain a Passenger Locator Form before entering Bolivia. This can be done through an online process. Travellers from Argentina must also take a COVID-19 test a maximum of 3 days before their arrival if they are not fully vaccinated. They must show the negative results to health authorities.

The CDC recommends that travellers to Bolivia ensure they are up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines before travelling to the country. They also recommend that travellers get tested before and after travel, and that anyone 2 years or older wear a high-quality mask in indoor public spaces.

Daily cases

Bolivia has reported 1,110,000 confirmed COVID-19 cases as of October 23, 2022, with 220 critical cases, 1,060,000 recovered, and 22,200 deaths. The daily confirmed cases curve in Bolivia is increasing at a rate of 22%. The recovery rate is 96%, and the fatality rate is 2%.

The daily number of confirmed cases in Bolivia can be compared to other countries by looking at the number of confirmed cases per million people. However, it is important to note that the number of confirmed cases is lower than the true number of infections due to limited testing. As of April 13, 2024, the Coronavirus Tracker is no longer being updated as most countries have stopped reporting.

International travel to Bolivia is permitted with a negative RT-PCR test result for COVID-19, taken within 72 hours of departure. Vaccinated travellers are not required to quarantine, while unvaccinated travellers must take an additional RT-PCR test three days after arrival and quarantine if the test is positive. All non-residents must have health insurance that covers COVID-19.

Local authorities in Bolivia may impose domestic travel restrictions without notice, affecting the movement of people under 12 and over 65 years old, as well as weekend travel. The Bolivian government has imposed strict measures to protect public health, including mandatory social distancing of 1.5 metres and the use of facemasks.

Containment rate

Bolivia has implemented a series of measures to contain the spread of COVID-19, with a containment rate of 98% as of October 23, 2022. The country has strict protocols in place for both domestic and international travel. All international travellers entering Bolivia must provide a negative RT-PCR test result, obtained within 72 hours of departure, regardless of their vaccination status or country of origin. Additionally, unvaccinated travellers are mandated to undergo an additional RT-PCR test three days post-arrival, and self-isolate until they receive a negative result, shouldering the costs themselves. All non-residents must also possess health insurance that covers COVID-19 treatment before entering Bolivia.

The Bolivian government has imposed stringent public health measures, including mandatory social distancing of 1.5 metres and the use of facemasks in public spaces, both indoors and outdoors. Local authorities have the authority to impose domestic travel restrictions without prior notice, including limitations on the movement of individuals below 12 and above 65 years of age, as well as weekend travel.

Most of Bolivia's international airports are operational, with commercial flights connecting the country to destinations like Miami, Madrid, Bogota, Lima, Santiago, and Sao Paulo. Land borders with neighbouring countries are predominantly open, although travellers are advised to check their status before embarking on overland journeys. Within Bolivia, free movement is generally permitted, but local authorities can impose sudden travel restrictions.

To ensure the safety of travellers, hotels in Bolivia have implemented social distancing protocols, and attractions like Eduardo Avaroa National Park and Salar de Uyuni have reopened. Museums and restaurants are also functioning, adhering to additional COVID-19 safety protocols. However, public events and places that typically accommodate large gatherings remain cancelled or closed.

Frequently asked questions