Here is How Latin America is Reopening; Country by Country Report

Most of the countries in Latin America are gradually reopening their economies, although the number of people infected with coronavirus is rising in some countries, particularly in Brazil.

A large majority of countries in the region have allowed businesses to operate at 30 to 40% of their capacity, with some opening up their airports, shopping malls, and even schools. However, there are many others who have chosen to remain under lockdown.

For example, Cuba, El Salvador, Haiti, and Nicaragua have not announced when they would allow private companies to resume operations.

Below is a summary of the gradual reopening in various countries in Latin America.

Argentina: Despite inching closer to a possible default, Argentina has told its citizens to stay indoors until June 7. It has banned both domestic and international flights.

Bolivia: Earlier this week, Bolivia somewhat relaxed travel restrictions, resuming domestic flights. Today, people can travel during specific weekdays and weekends. Religious services are also allowed with a maximum capacity of 30%. Industries such as agriculture, mining, lumber, and construction have resumed their activities.

Chile: Rural parts of Chile were never under lockdown. From the first week of June onwards, businesses in major cities are gradually resuming operations. However, the country has not lifted night-time curfew.

Brazil: Businesses in São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro have partially resumed operations, although the pandemic is wreaking havoc across the country.

In the state of São Paulo, even shopping malls were opened on Monday. But the local government has extended lockdown measures until June 15. In Rio de Janeiro, some restrictions were lifted this Tuesday, allowing people to exercise on the city’s waterfront. Salvador, Recife, Fortaleza, and Manaus have also removed some of the restriction measures.

Colombia: The Andean country has lifted most of the restrictions, even reopening places where it is hard to follow social distancing measures, such as hairdressing salons, shopping malls, museums, and libraries.

Costa Rica: The Central American country further relaxed its lockdown measures earlier this week, allowing national parks, museums, and restaurants to operate with up to 50% capacity. Reports say it is likely to lift the ban on foreign tourists on June 15.

The Dominican Republic: Here, small businesses can return to normal business operations, but large companies can resume operations with 50% of staff. However, the island has not yet allowed public transportation services.

Ecuador: The country opened its airports in Quito and Guayaquil, resuming both domestic and international flights. However, very few airlines have resumed operations. Restaurants can reopen in most cities with a maximum capacity of 30%.

Honduras: Companies are likely to get a green light for resuming operations on June 8.

Mexico: Mexico has now partially reopened some of its sectors, including mining, construction, auto parts, and tourism.

Panama: The country has allowed activities in the construction and mining industries. People can even organize social and sports events under strict social distancing guidelines.

Paraguay: Corporate companies have resumed their activities in the country, with most of their employees working from home.

Peru: The country has allowed most of its businesses to reopen, including IT companies, electrical services providers, hairdressers, clothing, footwear, and book vendors.

Uruguay: Here, even schools have reopened, let alone businesses. That’s because Uruguay successfully stopped the spread of the virus very early. But there has been no news on when it will reopen its borders.