Type of Intervention: Other Announcement, Statement by 34 medical associations
Sectors Involved: Non-governmental
Level of Jurisdiction: Non-governmental organization
Lead People/Agency: The statement is signed by 34 medical associations and supported by the Academy of Sciences of Nicaragua
Overview: On June 1, a statement signed by 34 medical associations warned about the exponential rise in COVID-19 cases, and noted that Nicaragua’s weak public health system was collapsing. They urged citizens to self-quarantine. Given the paralysis that the Nicaraguan government has shown to implement an effective strategy against the coronavirus, the statement suggested that citizens assume a 3-4 week-long voluntary quarantine, in accordance with the recommendations of the World Health Organization, to reduce contagion without waiting for a government decision. President Daniel Ortega’s government has been criticized for their strategy of prioritizing the economy and tax collection. This strategy has largely consisted in establishing no restrictions and taking minimal preventive measures, all the while promoting crowd activities. Since late February, Nicaragua introduced a policy of excluding any form of quarantine. Officials also lashed out at the “stay home” campaign, calling it unpatriotic. As of May 26, Nicaragua officially reports only 759 confirmed cases and 35 COVID-19-related deaths.
Full details here: https://www.laprensa.com.ni/2020/06/01/nacionales/2680178-asociaciones-medicas-del-pais-llaman-a-una-cuarentena-nacional-voluntaria
Other links: 1
Type of Justification: Advice of EXTERNAL expert advisor or advisory committee, Perception of an increased threat
Source of Evidence or Justification: PAHO
Evidence/Justification: The Pan American Health Organization, PAHO, also endorsed the call for voluntary quarantine in Nicaragua, affirming that the community transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus “is in a very difficult situation to control.” The medical statement supports the call for a quarantine on doctor´s perception of increased threat of contagion and recommend following the WHO advice to stay healthy at home during the period of confinement to reduce the threats of infection.