Researchers

Juan Carlos Rivillas, Rocío Murad, Marcela Sánchez; Danny Rivera, Lina Castaño, Marta Royo

Abstract

This project aims to understand the public response, and health and socioeconomic impacts, of lockdown in Colombia. On March 16, 2020, people in Colombia began self-isolating as part of a voluntary quarantine. On March 20, the Bogotá and Antioquia regions started a simulacrum, and finally, on March 25, the government announced new actions to control COVID-19. These recommendations directly affected the entire Colombian population, and included the following: i) social distancing people above 70 years; ii) stop non-essential contact with others; iii) stop all unnecessary travel; start working from home where possible; iv) and to isolate at home for 19 days if anyone in the household has a high temperature or a new and continuous cough. The Colombian government extended the lockdown two weeks more until March 26. This research will capture public sentiment towards these recommendations, and the health and socioeconomic impacts of both the virus and the control measures, with short-, medium- and long-term timeframes, and with a social lens to look at how the virus has impacted differentially across society. This study used a population survey online using SurveyMonkey in 10 Colombian cities.

Project Outcomes of Interest

To understand the public response and health and socioeconomic impact of both the virus and the government's measures in Colombia

Partners

Asociación Profamilia

Key Findings

Key findings of the survey include:

• 98% think that the COVID-19 pandemic is a serious problem in Colombia.
• 90% are concerned that someone in their family will get COVID-19.
• 88% are concerned that someone in their family may have an emergency and not receive medical care.
• 46% believe they will likely get infected under the current Colombian government measures.
• 92% of adults reported taking at least one of the following measures to protect themselves from the COVID-19 infection:
  • 85% of senior citizens (60 years and older) voluntarily isolated or complied with government's mandatory isolation measures.
  • 82% cut down on their mobility (avoided going out, using public transportation, and traveling).
  • 79% of those showing symptoms voluntarily isolated themselves and complied with government
  • isolation measures.
  • 78% increased the frequency in which they use disinfectants, alcohol, and sanitizing gel, and how
  • often they wash their hands.
  • 73% refrained from going out to social events and crowded places.
  • 70% avoided kissing and shaking hands.
  • 69% immediately complied with the government's mandatory preventive isolation measures.
  • 63% avoided using public transportation.
  • 46% went into self-isolation (voluntary quarantine) before the government decreed it.
  • 32% started working from home.

Link to Results

Link to results and public presentations

Impact Goals

Project Data Collection Mode

Link to Data Collection Instruments

https://www.profamilia.org.co/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Encuesta-Estudio-Solidaridad-Definitiva.pdf

Link to Public Data

https://www.profamilia.org.co/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Base-de-datos-encuesta-Solidaridad.sav

Implementing Organization

Asociación Profamilia

Results Status

Results