Daily Times

Colombia’s usually cacophonous capital Bogota was hushed on Friday as residents took part in a quarantine drill meant to prepare people for longer isolation, as the city seeks to reduce coronavirus infections. Governments around the world have declared quarantines or ordered people to stay indoors as much as possible to stem the virus, which has killed more than 10,000 people worldwide. In the Andean city of more than 7 million, the “obligatory simulation” of mass isolation took effect at midnight on Friday and was set to run through the end of Monday, a holiday in Colombia. The quiet streets were jarring. “I’ve never in my life seen Bogota like this,” said Blanca Cecilia Hernandez, 66, on her way to a medical appointment. “An obligatory quarantine would be harmful to many – I have children who need to go out to work to support their families.” Colombia’s national government will block incoming international flights from Monday and has ordered people aged 70 and over to stay in until the end of May. The government has closed terrestrial borders along with schools and bars. During Bogota’s four-day drill, workers at supermarkets, pharmacies, airports, public transport and medical centers, among others, are free to move around, but private cars are banned. Caregivers for the elderly and disabled and delivery personnel were also allowed out. Pet owners were authorized to take animals outside for 20 minutes and one person per family can leave to purchase supplies. The long-distance bus terminal was receiving arrivals but no buses will leave. Airline passengers are required to carry proof of their journey, the office of Bogota Mayor Claudia Lopez said.