Corona and Democracy - Colombia

On this page, we are collecting information on the effects of the measures taken to halt the spread of the COVID-19 virus on democracy in Colombia.

Information on COVID-19 measures and democracy
Type of measures Measures & sources
Limitations to freedom of movement
  • Borders closed for international travelers
  • Return of Colombians still possible
  • All arrivals have to complete a 14-day preventative quarantine
  • Nation-wide 19 day quarantine

   5 May:

  • the president announced a further extension of the nationwide lockdown until 25 May. Also, some restrictions have been lifted.

   15 May:

  • The government tightened COVID-19 restrictions at border with Brazil. Military has also dispatched troops to strengthen border security.

20 May:

  • Mandatory quarantine has been extended until May 31
  • All international flights have been banned until August 31

28 May:

  • Colombia extends national quarantine until July 1 while allowing more freedom of movement in some parts of the country

30 May:

  • The three most affected cities including Bogota, will not have the quarantine restrictions eased, while the rest of the country is expected to

3 June:

  • Restrictions on outdoor sports are eased in some parts of the country

7 June:

  • Among others, hairdressers and shopping centers have been allowed to reopen

24 June:

  • Lockdown restrictions such as obligatory isolation are extended until July 15, though some restrictions may be eased until then

8 July:

  • National Lockdown will be extended until August 1
Limitations to electoral rights

16 March:

  • Elections for the community action board have been postponed
Limitation to civil rights
  • 23 prisoners killed during a prison riot in Bogotá

  • Health care workers face stigmatization. Many people believe them to be COVID-19 spreaders.

    Reports on the state of indigenous people show that they are not receiving support from the government.

20 May:

  • Colombian police use drones to detect high body temperatures, tracking and locating people

2 June:

  • Amnesty International and other NGOs voiced concerns that sex-workers, in particular, those who are part of the LGBTQ+ community are not granted equal access to healthcare
Risks to data security

 

 
Limitations to freedom of information

20 May:

  • As the Colombian police started using drones to locate and track people with high temperatures, the location data is being shared with the police and medical staff.
Emergency powers for government
  • On 17 March President Duque declared the state of emergency
  • 6 May: The president has declared a second state of emergency. Under the Constitution, the government can declare a state of emergency for up to 30 days. The total period of rule by presidential decree cannot exceed more than 90 days a year.
Corona laws - full text

 
Various
  • Official info page of the Colombian government 
Last updated on 10.07.2020

 

Please note that we are constantly updating the information under rapidly changing circumstances, the information on this page should not be taken to be a complete overview of measures in a country. 

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