Every country in Latin America and the Caribbean now has coronavirus cases, health group says

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The coronavrius global pandemic has intensified in the Americas, where every country is now reporting positive cases of COVID-19 after the island of Anguilla became the last country to confirmed the respiratory disease on March 26.

“Our region has entered a new phase with many countries reporting community transmission,” Dr. Carissa Etienne, the director of the Pan American Health Organization, said Tuesday, confirming that there were now more than 163,000 confirmed cases and 2,836 deaths. “The pandemic in the Americas is going to escalate and [it’s going] to get worse before it gets better just as we have seen happened in other regions around the globe.”

Etienne called on countries to make domestic investments now to strengthen their health systems, and take urgent action to prepare hospitals and health facilities “for what is coming; an influx of COVID-19 patients that will need hospital space, beds, health professionals and medical equipment.”

“This virus has not and will not be stopped by borders drawn on maps,” she said.

Here is a snapshot of some of the steps that continue to be taken by Latin America and Caribbean countries in the hemisphere as of Tuesday, March 31:

Anguilla: On March 26, the British overseas territory became the final nation in the Americas to confirm the coronavirus after the British Virgin Islands and St. Kitts and Nevis separately confirmed positive cases of the virus the previous day. Anguilla registered two cases of COVID-19. Effective March 20, all airports and seaports were closed for 14 days to all passengers, only the movement of goods allowed. All persons arriving in Anguilla who have traveled outside of the Caribbean region within the last 14 days will be quarantined for 14 days on arrival. All non-essential travel for public servants is suspended. Schools are to remain closed until April 3. The government had previously announced a ban on direct flights originating from Europe, including the United Kingdom, for the next 14 days; a ban on cruise ships with passengers who had visited Europe in the last two weeks and a 45-day ban on public and private large gatherings that are likely to involve visitors from overseas.

Antigua and Barbuda: There are seven confirmed cases as of Sunday, March 29, following confirmation of its first confirmed COVID-19 case on March 13. On Monday, March 30, the government reduced the number allowed at funerals from 25 to 10. On Saturday, March 28, the government banned all yachts, declared a state of emergency until April 11 and imposed an 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. curfew for two weeks. The government previously announced a 30-day ban on all parties, festivals and similar social gatherings. Foreign nationals who have traveled to and from China, Italy, Iran, Japan, Korea and Singapore the past 28 days are not being allowed in. Citizens of Antigua and Barbuda as well as resident diplomats will be allowed entry.

Argentina: The country had 745 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 19 deaths as of Saturday, March 29. On March 20, President Alberto Fernández ordered all non-essential businesses to shut down and all Argentines to stay in their homes until March 31. Previously, on March 15, the country had closed its borders to all non-resident foreigners. The country now has 266 cases of COVID-19 and four deaths.

Aruba: As of Monday, March 30, there were 50 positive COVID-19 cases. A total of 634 persons had been tested to date. Police updated curfew procedures. Anyone caught in violation will be detained until the following morning, fined and then released. Two days after the government of Aruba confirmed its first two positive COVID-19 cases on March 13, officials announced a complete “lockdown” for all international incoming passengers starting at 12:01 a.m. Tuesday, March 17 until March 31. Residents will still be able to enter, but the government is advising against nonessential travel. Cargo will continue to be able to be flown in and relief flights will be possible as long as the airline is willing to operate them.

Bahamas: On Monday, March 30, there were 14 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the Bahamas; 12 on New Providence and two on Grand Bahama, including a 35-year-old woman with no recent travel history. The government’s state of emergency was extended to April 8. The country is under a complete lockdown after confirmed COVID-19 cases rose to five and a 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. curfew was extended to 24 hours, effective Tuesday, March 24. All Bahamians are to remain confined to their homes. All airports, seaports and public beaches are closed. No tourists are allowed to enter the country. The penalty for breaking the orders is a fine of up to $10,000, up to 18 months in prison or both. The government had already closed businesses, schools until April 14, banned parties and public gatherings and imposed travel restrictions for nonresidents who had traveled to China, Iran, Italy,South Korea, and Europe in the last 20 days. Returning residents are subjected to quarantine for a maximum of 14 days if they have visited the countries. All national sporting events and permits for use of public spaces also suspended.

Barbados: The country confirmed its 34th case on March 30. On Saturday, March 28, the government’s Stage 3 activation plan went into effect until April 14. Under the plan, only essential services are allowed to operate, and the movement of non-essential personnel is restricted between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. daily. The country has temporarily suspended outgoing international mail due to the coronavirus. Prime Minister Mia Mottley announced in Parliament that Barbadian-born songstress Rihanna has offered to donate $700,000 worth of ventilators to the island-nation. On March 19, Mottley declared that all persons coming from the U.S., U.K. and the rest of Europe will need to self-quarantine for 14 days. Mottley, who had been reluctant to implement travel restrictions, made the announcement after confirming Barbados now had five confirmed cases. Barbados had announced a restriction on public gatherings to no more than 100 people, suspension of visits to nursing homes and Queen Elizabeth Hospital.

Belize: A week after confirming its first COVID-19 case, the English-speaking Central American nation has three cases as of Monday, March 30. Effective Wednesday, March 25, all restaurants closed for indoor dinning; so too did bars, nightclubs and casinos. Prime Minister Dean Barrow also announced that all gatherings of more than 10 persons are banned; buses are restricted to their capacity and prior to boarding buses, passengers must wash and sanitize their hands. The government has sought the assistance of a team of about 60 Cuban doctors to help contain the virus. Belize had previously announced a travel ban on visitors who had, within the last 30 days visited, China, Hong Kong, Iran, Japan, South Korea and Europe.

Bermuda: The British overseas territory now has 27 confirmed cases as of Monday, March 30 and a curfew is in effect from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Police are doing road checks and visiting homes. Penalties range from $6,000 to $10,000 fine or 3 month imprisonment. After Premier David Burt confirmed six cases of COVID-19 on Sunday, March, 22, he ordered the closure of most retail stores and cinemas to shut their doors. He said 1,400 hotel workers have been laid off as a result of the pandemic. Bermuda had previously called for all arriving passengers as of March 17 to self quarantine for 14 days, and be subject to Public Health monitoring, the government said. There is a travel ban for visitors arriving from countries where there is a sustained community spread of COVID-19. There are no confirmed cases.

Bolivia: The country had 74 cases as of Saturday, March 29. Bolivia imposed a national lockdown on March 20 but has been struggling to make people comply. It also closed its borders and airspace over the weekend. Interim President Jeanine Áñez said she will be taking further measures on March 25. The government began barring travelers from Europe’s Schengen bloc, the United Kingdom, Ireland and Iran on March 18. Previously, travelers from Spain, China, South Korea and Italy were barred.

Bonaire: As of Sunday, March 29, the Pan American Health Organization was still reporting no confirmed cases by the government of Bonaire. It previously announced a suspension of flights from Europe until March 31. This includes flights originating in the European Netherlands. A 30-day ban on cruise ships also took effect on March 14.

Brazil: The South American nation had 3,904 cases as of March 29, and 114 deaths, according to the Pan American Health Organization. Brazil closed all its land borders on March 19. However, there are currently no entry restrictions for visitors arriving by air or sea. Brazil, the first country in the region to register a case of the coronavirus, has also implemented enhanced screening and quarantine measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19.

British Virgin Islands: On March 25, the British territory officially confirmed its first two cases of COVID-19, one of the last Caribbean nations to register cases. Both cases are travel-related and involved a visit to Europe, and the other, New York. But as of 12:01 a.m. Monday, March 23, the country’s airports and seaports were shut to inbound and outgoing passengers until April 6. Internal travel between the four main islands of Anegada, Tortola, Virgin Gorda and Jost Van Dyke will continue. Non-essential gatherings of 20 persons or more are prohibited, and all businesses, services and recreational facilities have also been ordered closed between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. until April 17. The government previously banned cruise ships for 30 days starting on March 14, and announced the immediate closure of the Tortola cruise port. The BVI also limited international arrivals to just three ports.

Cayman Islands: The British overseas territory now has 13 confirmed cases including one death. On March 29 the government announced the suspension of all jury trials and more stringent policing including roadblocks and checks during the curfew. New banking and supermarket shopping rules are also in effect based on an individual’s last name until further notice. Caymanians came under a 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. curfew on Tuesday, March 24 after officials confirmed two more cases, to bring its total to 5, including one death. The curfew will initially be in force 10 days and reassessed by the Police Commissioner every 48 hours. Anyone breaking curfew will be subject to arrest without a warrant and on summary conviction will be liable to a fine of $3,590 fine or imprisonment for one year, or both. Inbound passenger air traffic has ceased and, as of Sunday, March 22, restaurants are only allowed to do take outs and delivery. The government has also hardened a ban on public gatherings, including church services, from 50 persons to no more than 10 people. Exempt businesses must put provisions in the workplace to prevent employees from coming within six feet of each other, Premier Alden McLaughlin announced. The government had already suspended international mail services until April 13; banned cruise ships for 60 days and closed schools until April 26. Effective March 13, a 60-day travel ban was expanded to include visitors from the 26-country Schengen bloc in Europe, China, Iran, Japan and South Korea. The Caymans recorded its first COVID-19 related death on March 14, a 68-year-old Italian cruise ship passenger with a heart condition. At least two of the cases worked at Health City Cayman Hospital, where the man had been hospitalized.

Chile: The country had 1,909 confirmed cases as of March 29 and six deaths, according to the Pan American Health Organization. Chile previously shut its borders to all non-resident foreigners starting, Wednesday, March 18, and is requiring all those arriving to self quarantine. It has also imposed a curfew from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. and obligatory isolation for those over 80 years old. Previously, it was prohibiting all gathering of 50 people or more. Chile also has suspended classes at the elementary, secondary and university level in the capital of Santiago and 20 other cities to combat the COVID-19 outbreak.

Colombia: The South American country had 606 confirmed cases and six deaths as of March 29, according to the Pan American Health Organization. The country previously declared a 19-day national quarantine that runs through April 13 and is on lockdown — with all incoming flights suspended. Previously, on March 20, residents over 70 years of age were ordered to go into isolation until May 31. And on March 17, the South American nation closed all of ts land, sea and river borders through May 30.

Costa Rica: The country had 295 confirmed cases as of Sunday, March 29 and two deaths, according to the Pan American Health Organization. Costa Rica confirmed its first case of COVID-19 on March 8. On March 16 President Carlos Alvarado Quesada declared a state of emergency. All non-resident foreigners are barred from entering the country through April 12. In addition, foreign-residents and asylum seekers in the country will lose their status if they leave. Public Security Minister Michael Soto said the measure is meant to discourage people from leaving the country as Costa Rica tries to limit the spread of the virus via travel. The country has also imposed a nighttime curfew.

Cuba: The country had 170 confirmed cases and four deaths as of March 30. After weeks of keeping the country open, the government on March 20 said it would no longer take tourists as of March 24. Only Cubans who reside on the island and foreign citizens who are permanent residents or work on the island will be able to re-enter the country, and they will be put into quarantine for 14 days in medical facilities.

Under these rules, Cuban Americans and Cubans permanently living abroad won’t be allowed in. Cubans living on the island are not allowed to travel overseas until further notice. Tourists who have not yet left the country will be confined to state-run hotels. Schools will be closed starting as of March 24 at least until April 20.

Curaçao: There are seven confirmed cases, including one death as of Sunday, March 29. As of Sunday, March 15, Hato Airport in Curacao was closed to all traffic from Europe until further notice. The decision came after Curacao recorded its first positive case. The government has enacted temporary restrictions on flights and has limited incoming traffic to returning residents, essential medical specialists, nurses, and professionals. The airport has also suspended all operations of its immigration E-Gates to control the spread of COVID-19.

Dominica: The country had 11 cases as of March 29. On Tuesday, March 24, the island’s Catholic bishop suspended all religious gatherings. Bishop Gabriel Malzaire also said funerals should be attended by no more than 10 persons and take place in a reasonable short period of time. The government also announced a ban on all public gatherings of more than 10 persons; non-essential public services are also suspended. Dominica registered its first case on Sunday, March 22, and in both cases, the patients had travel history involving the United Kingdom. The country had previously banned all travel to and from China. Arriving passengers must complete a health declaration form and be screened for elevated body temperature. Anyone showing flu-like symptoms or who has been to an affected area in the past 14 days may be placed in 14-day home quarantine.

Dominican Republic: As of March 30 the country, which shares the same island with Haiti, had 901 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 42 confirmed deaths. Among those who have died from the coronavirus is famed designer Jenny Polanco on March 24 after testing positive. The island announced its first death on March 16, a 47-year-old woman who recently returned from Spain, along with a country total of 21. The next day the country announced that as of March 17, it was suspending all international flights for 15 days as well as closing its land border with Haiti, though deportations continue and Haitians continue to cross over through the barriers. Most hotels have said they are ceasing operations due to zero occupancy. The country previously canceled flights from Milan, Italy, and announced travelers from locations with a higher incidence of COVID-19 cases may be subject to additional screening or self-isolation.

El Salvador: As of March 29 the Central American nation confirmed 24 positive cases and no deaths. Even before registering its first COVID-19 confirmation, President Nayib Bukele imposed some of the most extreme measures to try and prevent the virus from reaching the country. On March 14, Bukele declared a state of national emergency and enforced severe measures, from shutting down the airport to commercial flights to sending home all non-essential public employees for 30 days. El Salvador is currently under a 21-day quarantine, which bans all foreign visitors who are not diplomats or permanent residents, and forces all Salvadoreans returning home to quarantine. Anyone attempting to enter the country through “blind spots” risks jail time, Bukele has said. Schools were also closed for 21 days, while bars, nightclubs and gyms were ordered closed for two weeks. Bukele has asked all public transport units to be sanitized three times a day, and all workers to wear masks. He has also announced the construction of what he has called the “largest hospital in Latin America” to address the pandemic. He has also ordered private companies to send employees who are older than 60, who are pregnant or who have underlying conditions, home on paid time off for 30 days. Additionally, private companies who don’t deal with food, medicine or supplies, and decide to send all of their workers home on paid time off will be eligible for government help.

Ecuador: As of Monday, March 30, the country had 1,835 confirmed cases. The government has restricted movement throughout the country with very limited exceptions and imposed a nationwide curfew from 2 p.m. to 5 a.m. as of March 25. On Monday, March 23, Ecuador declared a state of emergency, barring all travel and imposing a nighttime curfew. Ecuadorian police have dismantled open markets to limit gatherings. The country had previously barred all non-resident foreigners from entering the country and had shut down gyms, theaters, cinemas and other non-essential businesses. It has also suspended some public transportation services. Ecuador has one of the largest outbreaks in South America, reporting more than 1,049 cases.

Grenada: There are currently 9 confirmed cases. Effective March 30, a mandatory curfew beginning at 7 p.m. takes effect until April 6. Residents can only leave their homes for food or medical emergencies; supermarkets will be open on select days from 8 a.m. to noon. On March 23, all airports were closed to commercial flights after the government announced Sunday its first confirmed COVID-19 case: A 50-year-old female who arrived from the United Kingdom on March 16. The country had previously said travelers who have been to Hong Kong, China, South Korea, Japan, Singapore, Iran, Italy, or Germany in the last 14 days are subject to quarantine or other restrictions.

Guadeloupe: There are 96 confirmed COVID-cases and two deaths as of March 29. The travel restriction and stringent measures applied to Martinique, also are in place for Guadeloupe, French St. Martin and French Guiana. For more information, travelers should visit the public health website.

Guatemala: There are 34 confirmed COVID-cases and one death as of March 29. President Alejandro Giammattei has suspended all flights from March 16-30, except for cargo. Guatemalan residents and citizens and diplomatic staff can still enter the country via land. The Ministry of Public Health reported on Sunday, March 14, Guatemala’s first death: an 85-year-old who had arrived from Spain on March 6. That same Sunday, officials announced all schools and universities would close for three weeks, all sports events would take place without fans and all gatherings of more than 100 people were prohibited.

Guyana: There were still five confirmed cases and one death as of March 29, according to the Pan American Health Organization. The English-speaking South American nation is investigating reports that two Cuban nationals, who recently visited Guyana, tested positive for the novel coronavirus disease upon their return to Cuba. On March 18, Guyana closed its airports to all arriving international travelers for two weeks. It recorded the first COVID-19-related death among Caribbean Community nations on March 12. The woman had recently traveled from New York and had underlying health conditions. Schools were also ordered closed for another week until April 3. The High Commission of India has suspended consular services.

Haiti: On March 28 the country reported seven additional case,s bringing confirmed infections of COVID-19 to 15. This included three cases in the southeast and the initial cases involving, a Belgian national who operates an orphanage in the Artibonite Valley and singer Roody Roodboy who became in infected in France. Late Sunday, the artist said on Twitter, “the virus has not done any damage and I recovered quickly.” President Jovenel Moïse confirmed the country’s first two positive COVID-19 cases on Thursday, March 19, and announced sweeping new “lockdown” measures. A partial travel ban that still allowed flights from Cuba and the United States was expanded to a full shutdown of the country’s two international airports and seaports. Schools, universities and factories were also closed, and an 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. curfew was imposed. Declaring a state of emergency, Moïse said gatherings of more than 10 people are prohibited and the population should practice social distancing. Over the March 21 weekend, police arrested several pastors and Vodou priests, accusing them of defying the order. Four managers and owners of supermarkets and pharmacies were also arrested, accused of price gouging. All have been provisionally released. These measures are in addition to a closure of the country’s border with the Dominican Republic and a ban on foreign travel by members of the government. The country on March 30, authorized seven factories to reopen to make masks and hospital garments.

Honduras: The entire country has been virtually shut down. With 30 confirmed cases of COVID-19 as of Monday, March 23, schools remain closed. President Juan Orlando Hernández has also banned all public events, regardless of the number of attendees for seven days. Additionally, all non-essential businesses were also ordered closed, except for supermarkets, pharmacies, gas stations, hotels, banks, hospitals, and restaurants with drive-through or delivery services. Visits to nursing homes, hospitals and the like are also prohibited. All borders are closed except for cargo, Honduran residents and citizens, and diplomatic staff. Nearly all private and public workers went home, and public transportation halted. Hernández declared a “red alert” on all 18 departments until March 28. Anyone who doesn’t comply with the directives is subject to a jail sentence ranging from 6 months to 2 years.

Jamaica: There are now 36 confirmed cases and one death, the health ministry said Monday, March 30, after confirming the previous day its first healthcare worker, a 45-year-old female, infected with COVID-19. There are now 36 confirmed cases and one death, the health ministry said. Prime Minister Andrew Holness has announced effective, Wednesday, April 1, there will be a nationwide curfew from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. until April 8. The majority of cases are imported, but Holness has said the country is approaching community transmission, which usually means an escalation in COVID-19 cases. All incoming flights with passengers have been suspended. Health Minister Chris Tufton said the government “is not, at this point, contemplating a total lockdown of the country.” Police, however, have been asked to check the flight manifests of people who arrived in Jamaica March 18-23 to ensure that those those passengers are in self-quarantine. The country had previously announced limits on the number of people allowed in taxis and restaurants and restrictions for visitors who must remain confined to their hotels. All non-essential employees also must work from home. The government had also announced a two-week closure of schools, and a ban on all public gatherings. There’s also a ban on travel for individuals who have visited China, Iran, South Korea, Italy and Singapore along with the suspension of flights from Spain, France and Germany. Parts of the island remain under quarantine and the government has recruited retired medical professionals. Holness has declared Jamaica a disaster area because of the threat of the coronavirus infections and said he was seeking 100 Cuban nurses to help.

Martinique: As of Sunday, March 29, the French overseas territory reported 105 COVID-19 cases and two deaths. Following a quarantine implemented by the French government, tourists are encouraged to leave and locals must remain in confinement until further notice. In order to go out for any reason an exemption certificate is required. All leisure activities, restaurants, bars and businesses are closed. Public transportation is no longer in operation. After having no travel restrictions, stringent measures have been imposed in the French Caribbean: No cruises, maritime transportation or inbound flights allowed. All international flights to and from Martinique are interrupted as of Monday, March 23, 2020. Flights from Martinique to France have been restricted and apply between the five French overseas Islands: Saint-Martin, Saint Barthélemy Guadeloupe, French Guiana and Martinique. Travelers returning from risk zones are asked to monitor their temperature, wear a surgical mask, reduce non-essential activities, and avoid places with at-risk individuals for 14 days. For more information, travelers should visit the public health website.

Mexico: As of Monday, March 30, the country confirmed 848 cases and 16 deaths. The government has issued orders for all schools to close for a month beginning Friday through April 20.

Montserrat: As of Monday, March 30, the British territory still had five confirmed cases. The government confirmed its first case of COVID-19 on March 17. It was among several suspected cases being investigated after a flight with Antigua and Montserrat-bound passengers turned up positive in Antigua. Prior to the news, officials had already restricted gatherings in excess of 50 people until April 3. Schools are also closed until April 3. St. Patrick’s Festival activities were also officially canceled and contrary to previous reports, the ferry service between Antigua and Montserrat remain operational.

Nicaragua: One of the last Central American nations, along with El Salvador and Belize, to confirm COVID-19 cases, the country had four confirmed cases as of Sunday, March 29, according to the Pan American Health Organization. Spirit Airlines previously announced the suspension of flights as of Tuesday, March 24; American Airlines also suspended flights and United Airlines is expected to do the same on April 1. The country has been flouting medical advice and norms. On March 14, the Daniel Ortega government held a “Love in the Time of COVID-19” parade, which included a rally in downtown Managua.

Panama: On Monday, March 30, the Panamanian health ministry confirmed 1,075 cases of COVID-19. The government has enacted a nationwide quarantine that went into effect on March 25. The U.S. Embassy is compiling a list of people seeking to leave Panama. After registering the first COVID-19 death in Central America, Panama announced the temporary closure of all schools and universities located in the regions of North and Central Panama, and San Miguelito.

Paraguay: The country has 59 confirmed cases as of Sunday, March 29, according to the Pan American Health Organization. The Paraguayan health ministry says there is community transmission of the virus. On March 20, the government ordered everyone to remain at home until April 12 except to purchase food, medicine and other emergencies.

Peru: There were 671 confirmed cases and 11 deaths as of Sunday, March 29, according to the Pan American Health Organization. On March 26, the Peruvian government approved repatriation flights through April 1. The South American country went on total lockdown from March 17 through April 1, and the U.S. Embassy says it is aware of cases where U.S. citizens have been placed in quarantine. Residents are being ordered to stay indoors and all travel into and out of the country has been suspended. As of March 25, officials said they had arrested more than 16,000 people for violating the quarantine order. Peru has at least 395 active cases of the coronavirus.

Puerto Rico: On Monday, the island’s Health Department said public and private labs had detected 47 new cases and that another patient had died. The island now has 174 cases of the novel coronavirus and has registered six deaths due to COVID-19. The U.S. territory previously declared a state of emergency, and closed its beaches, parks and all non-essential businesses. Wanda Vazquez is asking residents to stay home and for people not to visit the island during the crisis. All airports, except the principle international airport in San Juan, are closed to commercial aviation. There is also a 9 p.m. to 5 a.m.

St. Barthelemy: The French overseas territory has reported five infection cases as of Sunday, March 29. Restrictions for Martinique apply here as well.

St. Kitts and Nevis: The government has announced a 24-hour curfew, taking effect 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 31 until 6 a.m. Friday, April 3. On Wednesday, March 25, the country became one of three last nations in a 24-hour period to confirm the coronavirus had reached its shores. Two citizens, a 57-year-old woman and 21-year-old ma,n had tested positive for COVID-19. Both had recently traveled to New York. The government had previously announced the closure of the country’s borders to all commercial flights as of 12:01 a.m. Thursday, March 26 until April 7. Medical emergency flights, and international cargo via ships will still be allowed. Nationals and residents living overseas who failed to return by the deadline will need to remain offshore until the border closing is lifted, the government said. The government previously had no travel restrictions but all incoming air passengers were required to list the countries they had visited in the last six weeks. It also asked anyone who had traveled to the following countries in the last 14 days to not visit: China, Italy, Iran, Hong Kong, Singapore, South Korea, Japan, the United Kingdom, France, Germany and Spain. Persons who arrived in St. Kitts & Nevis from these destinations are subjected to a mandatory 14-day quarantine period following screening at the port of entry. The same applied to residents and citizens. It also prohibited passengers exhibiting flu-like symptoms from disembarking as well as those who had visited the restricted COVID-19 countries. The prime minister also announced the recruiting of more officers, updating the travel advisory and restricting visits to elderly centers and prisons.

St. Lucia: The country had four confirmed cases as of Sunday, March 29. On March 23, the government declared a state of emergency and announced a partial scale down of all non-essential economic and social activities until April 5. All airports are closed to incoming commercial and private flights. Cargo flights and repatriation flights from Saint Lucia will be permitted. Only restaurants that do take out, delivery or drive-thru are allowed to operate. In an effort to contain the disease, the government had already closed schools, banned cruise ships, imposed travel restrictions for several countries and scaled back non-essential services. Persons who travel from the U.S. within the last 14 days who develop respiratory symptoms will be isolated and tested for COVID-19. Prime Minister Allen Chastanet, who went into self-quarantine after experiencing a cough upon following a visit to Miami, reported he tested negative for COVID-19.

St. Martin: The measures in place for Martinique and other French overseas territories apply in St. Martin as well.

St. Vincent and the Grenadines: The country reported its only COVID-19 case so far on March 11, and continues to register just the one case. Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves has announced that he will seek help from Cuba to combat the coronavirus. He also said his administration is seeking to employ at least 20 nurses locally in addition to three medical doctors from Havana, who specialize in handling infectious diseases, including COVID-19, according to local press reports. To limit spread of the virus through its nine inhabited islands and cays, the government has ordered the suspension of certain formal ports of entry while the hours of operation at other ports will be expanded in some instances.

Sint Maarten: The Dutch territory has three confirmed cases of COVID-19 as of Sunday, March 29. The government registered its first case of COVID-19 on March 17. Effective that day, all international flights and cruises originating from the United States, Europe and the United Kingdom to Sint Maarten were canceled for 21 days, upgraded from two weeks. Travelers from China, Hong Kong, Iran, Italy, Japan, Korea , Macao, Singapore, Spain and Germany in the past 21 days, were also banned from transiting or entering St. Maarten. The travel restriction also applies to other seafaring vessels, according to a travel advisory from the U.S. Consulate General in Curacao. U.S. citizens who wish to depart Sint Maarten on planes to the United States after March 17 will still be allowed to do so.

Suriname: The country registered eight cases as of Sunday, March 29. A 51-member Cuban medical brigade recently arrived in the Dutch-speaking South American nation to help combat COVID-19. The country’s airports and land borders have remained closed after Vice President Michael Ashwin Adhin announced the closure as of March 14.

Turks and Caicos: A week after confirming its first case, the British overseas territory said it has now has five cases as of Monday, March 30. Officials have stressed enforcement of the curfew, telling islanders they are allowed to exercise away from home between 5 a.m. and 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. for no more than one-and-a-half-hours alone or with a single family members in the same household. Three men were arrested on Thursday, March 23 for breaching curfew. After weeks of promoting that its international airports were still open while others were closing their borders, the territory announced no visitors will be allowed to enter for 21 days effective 12:01 a.m. Wednesday, March 25. Airports and seaports will only be open for cargo, returning residents and emergency international and regional flights. Hospitals have restricted visiting hours. Schools are closed until April 20. The Turks and Caicos Islands Hospital received a public health notification that a temporary worker who visited the country March 8 to 13 to train hospital employees tested positive for COVID-19 shortly after his return to the U.S. Investigations are ongoing to determine how and at what point in time he may have contracted the virus. The temporary worker is a 35-year-old American man and he is currently being isolated at home in the U.S. in stable condition.

Trinidad and Tobago: The country had 76 cases as of Sunday, March 29. The health ministry reported 53 confirmed cases on Tuesday, March 24, including the first positive COVID-19 case in Tobago. The news came several days after the health ministry reported that 41 out of 68 passengers on the ill-fated Costa Favalosa cruise ship had tested positive after returning home from Guadeloupe. The country has closed its borders to all international flights, expanded COVID-19 testing and designated March 29 as a National Day of Prayer. It also previously announced: the closure of the National Archives’ public search room until further notice, restrictions on hospital visiting hours and visitors and closure of the country’s land and sea borders to non-nationals for 14 days, effective 12:01 a.m. Wednesday. The twin-island also has Imposed a fine of $889 or six months in prison for those who breach quarantine.

U.S. Virgin Islands: On Saturday, the U.S. territory confirmed 30 cases of the coronavirus. Officials had announced previously that effective Wednesday, March 25, the U.S. Virgin Islands would be closed to all visitors for 30 days. Hotels, guest houses, bed and breakfasts and charter vessels also are restricted from accepting new guests but those on island have been allowed to stay. Governor Albert Bryan Jr., who declare a state of emergency on March 13, has not imposed a curfew but is asking residents to shelter-in-place. He has ordered all non-essential businesses, including bars, closed and for residents to stay at home. No in-restaurant dining is allowed. The elderly are allowed to shop before business hours at certain stores. The territory had previously instituted travel restrictions similar to those announced by President Donald Trump, which includes China and Iran, and certain European countries.

Uruguay: As of Monday, March 30, there were 320 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and one death. There are currently no scheduled commercial passenger flights to or from Uruguay. The country has closed its borders to Brazil and Argentina, and entry to Uruguay by foreigners is prohibited until April 13.

.Venezuela: The country had 113 confirmed cases and two deaths as of Sunday, March 29. On March 17, Venezuela declared a national quarantine, requiring businesses to stay shut and people to stay homes. Those who do venture out are required to wear surgical masks. The country has also canceled all flights to Europe and Colombia for 30 days. Venezuela has one of the weakest public health systems in the region and experts fear the coronavirus there will have a disproportionate effect. As of March 25, the country had reported 77 cases of the coronavirus to the Pan American Health Organization.

Miami Herald and El Nuevo Herald reporters Jacqueline Charles, Jim Wyss, Jimena Tavel and Nora Gámez Torres compiled this list using information from the Pan American Health Organization, US. embassy travel advisories and governments of the region. It is being updated as information becomes available.