Coronavirus situation in Medellin

Isolating and sanitizing have become a priority, due to the current sanitary emergency is a pretty alarming situation in several countries around the globe.

But dear readers who are currently in Colombia or who have relative in my country, do not worry, because health measures are taking place all over the cities and the department of Antioquia is not the exception to the rule.

According to the last report issued by the Colombian National Institute of Health, there are over 150 positive confirmed cases within the department, which 7 of them are fully recovered. Also, most of the cases were imported from Spain or USA and the most affected city is Medellin.

The entire country went into quarantine at 0:01 am on March 23, every unnecessary commerce has so far come to a standstill and, as in European countries, only the food industry is still trying to supply the entire population efficiently.

The Mayor's Office of Medellín announced that during the COVID-19 quarantine, the Ministry of Health will be implementing home vaccination days, through the Expanded Program of Immunization (EPI).

This vaccination is for other diseases rather than coronavirus — which does not have an antidote yet — which represents a high threat to human health such as: tuberculosis meningitis, tetanus, meningitis, measles, rubella, chickenpox, yellow fever, among others.

The idea is that patients have their vaccination schedule updated by calling to the local health phone number (034) 444 44 48, this strategy is being implemented to avoid going to medical centers during the quarantine.

As expected from Medellin, the city is taking control over the situation and has been implementing medical measures to prevent the spread of the virus. Both, the medical staff and the infrastructure are fully trained and equipped to deal with this sanitary emergency.

Also the current mayor of Medellin, Daniel Quintero Calle, has been updating the citizens about how is the situation currently going and which steps are being implemented during the isolation period.

English translation: "Today we received a visit from the mayor @QuinteroCalle his health secretary @AndreeSecSalud and the @ManagerEPM Alvaro Rendon, to see the new ICU beds and biomedical equipment vital to the care of #COVID19. Thank you @Med Mayor @EPMestamosahi #TogetherWeSaveLifes"

Many public locations such as local museums, libraries, theatrers, clubs and cinemas stop their operations until April 26, which is the date set by the government dictating the end of confinement throughout the country.

Dear readers, please do not forget to follow the sanitary prevention instructions given by the World Health Organization to prevent the spread of the virus. Also, there are many myth sanitary measures that you need to avoid in order to keep your loved ones safe.

Remember that you are not alone in this situation, the sun will always rise after the heavy rain. I hope your families are doing okay and please stay safe.

Written by Osiris Marañón