Domestic Politics
On April 2, Peru implemented a new gender-based coronavirus policy, under which men and women were allowed to leave their homes on different days. The measure has now been canceled after complaints from transgender activists, who said that the government did not stipulate how such a law would be enforced, creating concerns that it would lead to greater discrimination of transgender individuals. [Merco Press]
Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro once again flouted social distancing measures by visiting a military hospital, stopping at a pharmacy, visiting one of his sons, and meeting with supporters. He has previously called the coronavirus a “little flu”. [Forbes]
International Relations
Cuba argues that the six-decade US embargo has impeded its purchase of medicine and equipment to fight the coronavirus pandemic. The embattled island nation has over 600 COVID-19 cases, with 16 deaths. The US government rejected Cuba’s accusations, saying that the US exported hundreds of millions of dollars worth of medical goods in 2019. [NBC News]
The Caribbean Community and Common Market (CARICOM), comprised of a group of 20 Caribbean nations, is set to hold an emergency meeting on April 15 to discuss the region’s experiences with and strategies for the COVID-19 pandemic, including common border policies. [Telesur]
Over 700 Bolivian citizens are stranded in neighboring Chile, which has closed its borders as part of its lockdown. Several Bolivians are being transferred to temporary accommodation. Many are migrants and have struggled to find food or shelter during the ongoing crisis. A Bolivian government minister alleged that Chile was allowing people into the country despite closing its borders. [BBC]
Health
Venezuelan medical professionals say that most hospitals in the country lack even basic necessities such as soap and water. This is compounded by the fact that several doctors and nurses have emigrated from the country in recent years. Thus, with 189 coronavirus cases and rising, they are worried that the country’s already fragile health system will collapse. [NPR]
Economy
The World Bank projects that the economies of Latin America and the Caribbean could shrink by at least 4.6% this year, largely due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, which has impacted tourism, exports, and remittances sent by migrants from abroad. [Associated Press]
Society
A teenager from the Yanomami tribe in northern Brazil died from the coronavirus. Anthropologists and health experts warn that this is heavily concerning as such groups are uniquely and extremely vulnerable to external diseases and would find it difficult to practice social distancing. More than 26,000 Yanomami live along Brazil’s border with Venezuela. [Al Jazeera]
Image Source: Survival International
Latin America in Review: April 14, 2020
Read more about the latest events from Latin America.
April 14, 2020
