Venezuela: Going Wuhan

I wrote about Venezuela a couple weeks back. At the time, there were only 119 cases. I am writing this on Thursday, April 16, and according to Worldometers there are now only 204 cases. Is that believable? Probably not. Though their reporting doesn't appear to be realistic, especially when compared to their neighbors (Colombia/Brazil), the country is taking serious measures.

Venezuela going Wuhan

Reuters writes about measures that appear influenced by China:

Venezuela’s government is employing harsher measures in one of Caracas’ largest barrios to ensure residents comply with a coronavirus quarantine, as many poor Venezuelans continue to head outside in search of scarce food and water.


Over the past few days, local Socialist party councils have issued permits to thousands of families living in the Catia barrio that allow only one family member out at a time, and deployed a feared special police unit to enforce the measure, community leaders and residents told Reuters.

The article mentions that this neighborhood is home to 400,000 people. The "feared special police unit" is called the National Police's Special Action Force and per the article they've been accused of torture and killings.

The Wealthy Party

Though the poor are under lock down, it is possible that the wealthy are allowed to party (as long as they do it out of sight). The LA Times has this about an island off the coast of Venezuela:

In a nation plagued by misery, Los Roques is an oasis for the few who can afford it, including aides and relatives of top officials who travel by private plane to the band of tiny islands. Parties there have become more popular, with Miami, Madrid and New York out of reach after U.S. sanctions cut off access to foreign bank accounts and easy travel. Among those who have visited are Maduro’s sons, according to the two people, although none attended the latest gathering.

First, notice how those associated with top officials can afford what others cannot. There is just a hint of corruption there. Though the article doesn't add up the actual numbers, it does appear that a range of 6 to 8 people came down with the virus due to recent parties on the island. Admittedly, that isn't a large number of people. Yet . . . this article was written on April 7th when there were 166 people with the virus. That means that maybe 5% of all cases at that time were associated with that party island. I suppose wealth also means you can get tested.

Venezuelans Returning or Still Leaving?

It is currently estimated that 5 million Venezuelans have left the country over the last few years. Yet, Al Jazeera is saying that a small number are returning.

Thousands of Venezuelan migrants who work in the informal economy have lost their jobs - and in some cases been evicted from their homes - as Colombia and other nearby countries impose strict social distancing measures.

With no other options, some are starting to make the journey back to Venezuela on foot or rides from cargo trucks as their savings give out and they find no other options to return to Venezuela. Public transport between cities has been shut down in Colombia due to the coronavirus lockdown.

The Colombia government is attempting to help migrants in the borders.

. . . Colombia's government last week revealed a six-point plan for the Venezuelan migrant population that included guaranteeing access to health services and distributing food to about 800,000 migrants in 40 municipalities.

When those who decide to return to Venezuela arrive home, Al Jazeera explains what happens next:

Human rights groups and opposition leaders in Venezuela said this week that hundreds of migrants who crossed into the Venezuelan state of Tachira have been forcibly taken to empty schools and an abandoned customs building, where they have been told they will have to stay for two weeks of quarantine.

Though conditions aren't ideal, this is another example of Venezuela taking this virus seriously. Now remember that there are close to 5 million migrants living throughout South America. These two articles are talking about hundreds returning so admittedly this is a small issue as the vast majority of Venezuela's migrants are staying put for now.

Though a handful of coming back home, others are still leaving. Reuters has this to say:

The Maduro government has closed all borders, which may lead desperate Venezuelans to resort to taking dangerous unofficial routes out of the country, known as “trochas,” that are often controlled by armed groups. Yet, if reports of armed groups being infected with Covid-19 are true, little to no control will be seen at border crossings, making the immigration situation more perilous.

I'm not exactly sure why having no armed groups around makes a situation more perilous, but perhaps I'm not getting the context correct. I do find two points of interest. First, people are likely still leaving Venezuela. Second, there are rumored to be far more Covid-19 cases in the country than reported.

Food

How long can the lock downs continue in Venezuela. Well, BBC might have the answer:

"My biggest worry though is food. There comes a point when we don't know how long we will survive with no income. If there's no money coming in, you can't even buy the basics," [says sweet stall owner Christian Croes].

Once people are starting, they won't want to obey stay at home orders.