The Coronavrus (COVID-19) is now a pandemic that has spread throughout the world. As of this writing, there is no part of our globe that has escaped the virus, except possibly Antarctica. Guatemala has identified its first cases of COVID-19 in the past week and at least one person has died from the virus. As in most other countries, Guatemala has declared a state of emergency and closed schools, some businesses, their national borders, and asked residents to self-quarantine to prevent the spread of the virus.
About half of the Guatemalan population resides in the larger cities around the country, while the rest live in rural areas, which are under-served by government health care programs.
Chocolá is as vulnerable as any area of the country when it comes to adequate health care. We are certainly hoping that the folks in Chocolá will heed government warnings and stay out of harm’s way.
The directors of the two schools we support (middle and high schools) in Chocolá have been imploring students and their families to avoid public gatherings and limit their social interaction with people in all settings. We will keep our ears to the ground in Guatemala to learn how the residents of Chocolá are faring as the days and weeks go by. This year 55 students are studying in school thanks to Amigos scholarships. We are hoping they will be able to resume attending school soon.
Thank you for continuing your support for these students, their families, their teachers and all those who are making Chocolá, Guatemala, a better place to thrive in our world.
A word to everyone: Please stay healthy and help prevent the spread of this terrible virus.