Coronavirus in Ecuador

susanilla wrote:

How is the pandemic now in Ecuador?   Have cases and deaths gone down?

I suggest you pay attention regularly to the Cuenca Highlife site I linked to, earlier.  It seems to be the most reliable Ecuador-based, English-language news site that is following airlines, health, official counts and other aspects of the pandemic in Ecuador.

A report posted there today (June 6, 2020) is under a sub-heading titled "Total covid cases show slow increase."

Link:  www.cuencahighlife.com

    --  cccmedia

The fact that more flights to major cities of Ecuador are operating this month .. does not mean that passengers are arriving there covid-free.

Two flights -- Quito to Guayaquil -- arrived with a total of 15 passengers who tested positive for the virus.

Source... www.cuencahighlife.com

i wonder how accurate the tests they are using are at this point. So many had a false positive and false negative near 30%. I really think the best measure, and still not accurate, at this point is hospital admissions with a covid-19 diagnosis.

It depends a lot on what you are testing for, viral genes, viral antigen or antibodies to the virus.  And IMO, what will do with the result.  If you are unsure of what to do after the test, or it doesn't change what you do, don't test.

Tired of virus worries?  Need a vacation to some place where virtually nobody is wearing a facemask?  Do you figure it's too soon to visit or relocate to Ecuador?

Consider Iceland.

The island nation just opened its borders for most Europeans .. and will open to folks from beyond the Schengen Zone on July 1st.  The national covid rate is less than one percent of the rate in the USA, which has the unrivaled distinction of most-covid-cases in the world.

Iceland's success against the virus is due to rigorous tracking and tracing -- something that various other countries have failed to perform.  Looking at you, Mr. Stable Genius

Upon arriving this summer at the airport for the capital city, Reykjavik, you will be required to pass a covid test or else quarantine for 14 days.  However, if a quarantine is necessary, that can be done at a pleasant resort just down the road from the airport. 

Source...  CNN, reprinted at www.cuencahighlife.com

Might be because reducing viral introduction is feasible on an island nation with few visitors. Simple epidemiology. Impossible when you have tons of visitors and many points of entry.

but referencing the 15 positive on a domestic flight, 15 out of ??? and with a test that has shown what level of accuracy. Kind of determines the significance of the data.
But as always testing for the sake of testing is just a product of the reactionary society we live in- better off not testing, as you said Brad-I agree.

Might be because reducing viral introduction is feasible on an island nation with few visitors. Simple epidemiology. Impossible when you have tons of visitors and many points of entry. About 2 million vs 100 million visitors.

Let's check the math on that.

Yes, Iceland had about 2-million visitors in a recent year (2017).

But that's in a geographically small country with about 360,000 residents.

Tourism is a major industry in the Icelandic economy and accounted for ten percent of GDP in that year.

Sources:  wikipedia.com, worldatlas.com

----

One factor in Iceland's favor concerning the pandemic is this:
They don't have a "genius" government leader
who has arranged to put tens of thousands of boisterous, mask-less people
in packed indoor venues on the first weekend of summer
in a city with the approximate population of Iceland.

cccmedia

Hi,
Iceland is an incredible vacation.  You can take tours but make sure to have a four or five days on your own!  I don't think I would want to live there but definately a long vacation.
Enjoy!
Robin

The number of people entering and the number of entry points are the meaningful numbers. The resident population number not so much.  Now, once it has entered and established itself, then the population and density is important, not the two other numbers.

We now live in Denver, but are from Ohio with a lot of loved ones there. Its a densely populated state. So just makes for a horrible situation.  AND looking to move too ECUADOR!!!

Quito's Emergency Operations Committee (EOC), stating that the city's covid problems have reached "critical" levels, is asking the government to allow the EOC to extend the capital city's curfew, ban liquor sales and further restrict the use of non-emergency vehicles.

The proposed curfew would extend nightly from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m.

The national COE rejected a similar proposal two weeks ago in favor of an effort to reopen Quito.

Now, however, vice mayor Santiago Guarderas says more restrictive measures are needed to prevent a collapse of Quito's health system.

Source...  www.cuencahighlife.com

This is a related but slighty to the side question.

I am in a long distance relationship with a woman from Ecuador. The plan was for me to fly down there & meet her, make sure we are good for each other, & then the pandemic hit, cancelling the plans. The intent is to get married at some point, live in the USA for a while to build up cash, & then live in Ecuador & possibly work for some extra cash.

The problem is that for a fiancee visa, we cannot apply for one because we cannot meet in person. Anyone know if the  restrictions on this rule have been relaxed for the US? I know they make certain cultural exceptions, but are there exceptions being done for the pandemic as well? My assumption is no, but you can't be sure...

Option B is to get her a travel visa for the US to "establish" the relationship, which could be done but would mean more money.

The tentative goal is for a wedding in February '21, if that makes a difference.

Damon.

Dagretto wrote:

This is a related but slighty to the side question.

I am in a long distance relationship with a woman from Ecuador. The plan was for me to fly down there & meet her, make sure we are good for each other, & then the pandemic hit, cancelling the plans. The intent is to get married at some point, live in the USA for a while to build up cash, & then live in Ecuador & possibly work for some extra cash.

The problem is that for a fiancee visa, we cannot apply for one because we cannot meet in person. Anyone know if the  restrictions on this rule have been relaxed for the US? I know they make certain cultural exceptions, but are there exceptions being done for the pandemic as well? My assumption is no, but you can't be sure...

Option B is to get her a travel visa for the US to "establish" the relationship, which could be done but would mean more money.

The tentative goal is for a wedding in February '21, if that makes a difference.

Damon.

You should get her a fiancee visa to marry in US. How? Well you have to establish that "relationship"
for US immigration not to suspect it´s a "marriage of convenience." Quite impossible you say due to the COVID-19? The only way is this:

1. Establish a joint account with her at your bank to show that "relationship" and begin depositing money for her for other purposes like maybe her fare to the US. So get her that debit card.

2. But to do that, you have to have an ITIN (Income Tax Identification Number) for foreigners to establish her relationship with your bank.

3. So apply online for her ITIN at IRS before establishing that account. I´ve done that before.

robal

James-Esq wrote:

Hi robal, I have a question. About 2 months ago I saw something in print on the apparent difference in blood type, as to the different way the virus 'seemed' to affect people I think it mentioned type O+ verses A, but can't recall exactly. Have you read anything on that?

Here´s a more detailed explanation of blood types in relation to SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19):

https://www.cnn.com/2020/07/16/health/b … index.html

Cheers!

robal

In order to curb groups from gathering on weekends to play soccer and congregate for social drinking, Ecuador's emergency committee has extended curfew hours and banned weekend-night sales of alcoholic beverages.  The changes affect Quito, Cuenca and a total of 18 provinces.

The weekend curfews have been moved up two hours to 7 p.m. and remain in effect until 5 a.m.  Liquor sales have been banned on weekend nights starting at 7 p.m.

In explaining the new restrictions, interior minister María Paula Romo said they are needed because large numbers of young people were drinking together on weekends in violation of social distancing rules .. and subsequently infecting older Ecuadorians at home.  There has been a recent surge of social drinking spreading covid infections, she said.

Source... www.cuencahighlife.com

Your suggestion about Curnca Highlife was helpful.  Thanks.

Update for Ecuador dated July 27 for USA Expats....

The covid state of emergency in Ecuador, in effect since March, has been extended to August 13, 2020.

Ecuador is one of the countries that allow
USA citizens to enter.  Flights have been permitted into the country since early June.

Arriving USA Expats must agree to a 14-day self-quarantine upon entry into the country, providing their contact information. 

A negative covid test taken within days before arrival in Ecuador is required of Expats entering the country.  If arriving without such test results, a test may be required at the arrival airport.

Ecuador's land borders remain closed.

Source... www.worldnomads.com

Expats over age 65 may quarantine at their home(s) in Ecuador for the requisite 14 days upon arrival.

Violation of the quarantine rules can incur a $300 fine and one to three years in prison.

   -- Markku Sario's 'Smorgasbord' column at www.cuencahighlife.com
       titled Breaking Quarantine is Committing a Crime
     


---

Sario is outraged upon learning of one Cuenca Expat's violation of home quarantine.  Sario states that most Expats are "guests" in Ecuador and such violations could jeopardize Expats' current permissions to enter or remain in the country going forward.  He considers this woman, who apparently visited a large grocery store and an indoor café where free WiFi was available, to be "irresponsible" and her actions shameful.

A lively discussion among Expats ensues at the conclusion of Sario's commentary, including some posts on the question of whether permanent residents of Ecuador are "guests" in the country.

cccmedia

Cuenca's Covid Crackdown....

Cuenca is transitioning from giving warnings to violators of the mask-wearing and social-distancing ordinance .. to issuing fines and, in one curfew case, seeking a prison term.

The government is throwing the book at Cuenca's first three-time violator of the city's covid curfew, identified as Victor Manuel G., an Ecuadorian man.  Manuel is facing charges that could land him in prison for a year or more, according to the Azuay province governor.

Cuenca is sending patrols out to the parks and market areas to issue fines for covid-safety violators.

"Previously we have gone easy on violators," says Mayor Pedro Palacios.  "But that is over."

Source... www.cuencahighlife.com

Mr. Second Passport's Take on Ecuador Entry Requirements....

1.  A "PCR" covid test allows Expats to enter Ecuador if test result is negative within three days before flight.  Home quarantine agreement may be required but is not being enforced.

2.  Expats ages up to 18 or over 65 do not have to take a covid test to enter Ecuador.

3.  Over 18 and under 65:  Such Expats may take a covid test after one week .. and if negative, no longer need to adhere to quarantine rules.

Source... Domenick Buonamici, ten-year USA Expat in Ecuador who holds USA and Ecuador citizenship, working at Quito Airport Suites Hotel, speaking on his new YouTube channel

Dom posted on www.YouTube.com as Mr. Second Passport. 
At that site, enter in the search function:
Why CNN is Wrong About Ecuador Entry

The U.S. State Department has now lifted its global warning against international travel by USA citizens.

However, Ecuador is currently the only country in South America that is allowing USA citizens to enter.  The quarantine restrictions on most USA travelers to Ecuador apply (as discussed earlier in this thread).

Source... NBC News

Reportedly the PCR test is more accurate.

Cuenca's zoo is reopened with 'bio-security protocols', seven days a week
with regular zoo hours.  The Amaru Zoo was open during the Diez de Agosto holiday weekend.

The zoo is selling masks that display original designs of animals including
lions, jaguars and bears.

Sources... www.cuencahighlife.com from the "Sunday paper" ..
and the Amaru zoo website: 
         www.zoobioparqueamaru.com

That's great. I wish Loja would open their zoo and Parque Jipiro.

Cuenca is stepping up the enforcement of social distancing rules, especially the mask requirement.

Over 400 people have been cited so far for failing to wear a mask in public places.

The fine is $100.

Source... www.cuencahighlife.com

Thanks for the info.  Things are ridiculous regarding masks in Ecuador, U.S.and U.K.

Doc

Ecuador is relaxing entry requirements as of today*, according to
Mr. Second Passport, Domenick Buonamici.

The seven- or 14-day hotel quarantine on those flying into Ecuador without a negative PCR test can be avoided.  Such a traveler may take the test at an approved hotel .. and may leave the hotel for good as soon as the test comes back negative, possibly after a single overnight there.

The new rule is posted in Spanish in the new video.

Source... Domenick's YouTube Channel...
At YouTube.com, search:
  New Ecuador entry requirement effective today Mr. Second Passport

*The new rules may not impact minors or seniors, whose requirements may have already been relaxed, as discussed earlier in this thread.

Ecuador is shifting its focus from containing covid through extended curfews and liquor sales restrictions  .. and toward revitalizing the national economy.  The restrictions had been extended in late July.

Cities including Quito and Cuenca will see such restrictions eased on September 14, according to the interior minister, María Paula Romo.  She says the restrictions have produced the intended result by reducing communal drinking activities at night and on weekends.

The country's restaurant and bar owners association is hailing the return toward rules normalcy.

Municipalities may continue mask-wearing and social distancing rules.

Curfews will be rolled back to 11 p.m. through 5 a.m.  Liquor may be purchased on weekends once again.

More details at www.cuencahighlife.com

Latam Airlines is adding international flights to various cities, including New York and L.A. and some South American cities.

Many intra-Ecuador air routes are re-opening as well.

Many national parks in Ecuador are re-opening and mountain climbing at Chimborazo and Cotopaxi, among other sites, is being allowed.

Details at www.cuencahighlife.com

Health ministry officials say that the covid death rate in high-elevation Quito is only 18 percent of the rate in lowland Guayaquil.

They say a similar disparity is evident in the numbers from Cuenca and other highlands locations.

Health minister Juan Carlos Zevallos has been saying this week that covid infections are down in 22 of 24 provinces.

Ministry consultant Carlos Alfaro says studies in the Himalayas suggest that infections are less severe at high altitudes .. and he says experience in Ecuador's highlands bear this out.

www.cuencahighlife.com

Ecuadorians and Expats have been allowed to keep getting home Internet service even if they are not paying for it during covid times.

However, the situation is changing .. and even some paying users may lose web service.  The reason is that revenues are down for various Internet companies by up to 50 percent .. and some service providers may have to shut their operations for lack of income.

The providers must keep providing service to non-paying customers until mid-November under emergency rules.  The providers who survive past then will be permitted to terminate service to non-payers.

Source... www.cuencahighlife.com

Anyone experience issues making voice or video calls on Whatsapp using the city internet? My fiancee lives in Manta & over the last few days we have been unable to make video or voice calls with Whatsapp, only when she connects to her home internet. She also has a new phone so it could simply be a coincidence, but OTOH has there been changes in the public utility internet?

Damon.

Starting today, September 14th, most of the emergency measures imposed by the Ecuadorian government have expired as the national state of emergency is over.

However, in Cuenca and Quito and some other cities, restrictions on vehicle circulation and the ban on large gatherings remain in effect under local ordinances.

Bars, discos and nightclubs in Cuenca and Quito remain closed.  Restaurant dining hours are being expanded beyond covid-emergency hours.

The land borders between Ecuador and the countries Peru and Colombia remain closed until further notice, by order of the national government.

The national government has announced it is maintaining a requirement that international travelers arriving by air (with some exceptions) test negative for covid or else go into a quarantine.

Source... www.cuencahighlife.com

Quito's J.W. Marriott Hotel abruptly closed its operations this week, the largest of a handful of major hotels in the city that have closed due to depressed levels of business during covid times.

Operating hotels are seeing 10 to 15 percent occupancy, according to the Ecuador Hotel Federation.

Before the emergency declaration was recently lifted, some major hotels had business from many quarantining travelers arriving in La República. 

The Marriott has announced it is closing for at least six months.  Other major hotels that have closed are listed at www.cuencahighlife.com, the source of this post.

Interesting how different one country is from the other with respect to Covid, not only in South America but seemingly all over the globe. I was just on a skype call with a colleague in Uruguay, and for example they have just a handful of cases, and have kept the borders with Brazil and Arg closed because of the runaway numbers in those counties. Granted they have only a few million population in Uy, but seems they have managed it perfectly. When I asked why  Uy is doing so well, in her opinion it is because of good leadership educating the population honestly, and openly with all the facts, and the people comply with the rules, wear masks etc. Seems like Uruguay has chosen the correct path to a solution and it has nothing to do with so-called herd immunity.

James-Esq wrote:

When I asked why (Uruguay) is doing so well, in her opinion it is because of good leadership educating the population honestly, and openly with all the facts, and the people comply with the rules, wear masks etc. Seems like Uruguay has chosen the correct path to a solution and it has nothing to do with so-called herd immunity.

Comprehensive testing and contact tracing have also contributed mightily to Uruguay's success versus covid.

Potential superspreaders, including construction workers and transporters, were curtailed by tracking down chains of contact.

Uruguay also has benefited from the fact that almost its entire population has access to basic utilities such as electricity and running water .. and high levels of Internet connectivity.  (This is just the opposite of the situation in much of Peru, where covid has been devastating.)

  -- Foreign Policy magazine, online

Also, Uruguayans were never subject to months of covid denial by their president .. in contrast to Bolsonaro in Brazil, and, further to the North, the flat-earth bloviating by the world's most dangerous man.

cccmedia

cccmedia wrote:

...the flat-earth bloviating by the world's most dangerous man.

cccmedia

Very good  expression that. I looked up the origin of bloviate and according to Webster's may come from 1800's Ohio slang that  combined 'blow', as in wind, with the suffix 'ate'.  Popular usage of the word is linked with 29th U.S. President, W.G. Harding, (1921-23). Google lookup's spiked in 2012, when a journalist applied the word to D.J. Trump. Which explains why the word bloviate is so much in use lately.