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COVID-19 in Guatemala -- April 12, 2020

4/12/2020

 
by Mark Ely, Executive Director

We have been closely monitoring the impact of the new coronavirus on our partner communities in Guatemala.  Families are concerned about the situation, and the government has taken measures to avoid the spread of the virus in the country.  At this time, families are sheltering in their homes.
Picture
Pura Vida student Diego and his family shelling corn while sheltering in place
The president of Guatemala has declared a state of emergency including the following measures:
  • Limitations on free movement 
  • Prohibitions of large gatherings
  • Suspensions of public shows and any kind of meetings
  • Limitations on the circulation of urban and extra-urban transport

Families must remain in their homes except for trips to buy food and essential supplies.  Making the situation more difficult, markets are open only from 4:00 AM to 12:00 PM by order of the government.  Since public transport has been suspended, it is difficult for rural residents to reach major markets unless they have their own means of transportation.  

Since the arrival of the virus, many companies have closed.  Those remaining open for business must follow sanitary measures stipulated by the government to protect their customers.  Transportation companies were hit hard, with about 2,000 bus drivers and assistants losing their jobs as a result of the imposed sanitary measures.

On March 22, the federal government declared a curfew from 4:00 PM to 4:00 AM, during which time absolutely no one can be outside their home, on the streets, or somewhere in public.  Violators can be detained, fined, or even sent to prison.  Experts are currently recommending that the curfew be maintained through the end of April.

The Minister of Education suspended classes for the month of April.  Some public and private establishments are distributing homework through virtual platforms so that students can take advantage of time at home, and then turn in the tasks done when classes resume.  Many students in rural communities are taking advantage of classes provided by radio and television.

In rural communities, the indigenous leadership has established measures restricting access.  For those arriving with cargo, drivers must use masks and must disinfect their vehicle in order to prevent the virus from entering the communities.  

Price of some commodities has increased due to the crisis, most notably corn.

Related News: Life Under Lockdown -- April 12, 2020
Rowena Helman
4/13/2020 09:39:06 am

Mark, I'd like to give Claudia and her family $50/month (in addition to the $14 I give now.) Please let me know if I can do this.
Thank you.
Rowena Helman

Mark Ely
4/13/2020 12:40:39 pm

Rowena, thanks for your interest.

We can accept gifts of up to $50 for the June delivery. We are waiting to get more information about family situation before considering an increase to monthly donations.

Mark

Beverly Winsett
4/13/2020 11:16:41 am

I also am wondering if money is limited to the usual gift amounts and if it can be given any time?

Mark Ely
4/13/2020 12:42:47 pm

Beverly, at this point we can accept gifts of up to $50 for delivery with the next batch of letters to Guatemala in June. If we learn that our families need more assistance, we will work on a more comprehensice approach.

Thanks for your support!

Mark

Barry Wehrle
4/13/2020 11:24:01 am

Mark, please tell me what you think is best to do. We can give extra to our student and her family if that is best or divide a gift between the family and places where most needed. What is an appropriate monthly amount for her family?

Mark Ely
4/13/2020 12:48:11 pm

Barry, thanks for thinking of your sponsored student. At this point we're not exploring increasing the monthly support amount. We will let you know if our staff in Guatemala does find this is necessary. For now, a $50 gift in June would be a good starting place.

Jan Beyer link
5/16/2020 02:39:09 pm

I will send $50 for the family of Abigail Perez Reyes. What is the size of the family? Is there way we can get face coverings to the family?
Are they being educated about the serious health


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