COVID-19 pandemic in South America
The COVID-19 pandemic was confirmed to have reached South America on 26 February 2020 when Brazil confirmed a case in São Paulo.[2] By 3 April, all countries and territories in South America had recorded at least one case.[3]
On 13 May 2020, it was reported that Latin America and the Caribbean had reported over 400,000 cases of COVID-19 infection with, 23,091 deaths. On 22 May 2020, citing the rapid increase of infections in Brazil, the World Health Organization declared South America the epicentre of the pandemic.[4][5]
As of 12 January 2023, South America had recorded 67,331,547 confirmed cases and 1,344,031 deaths from COVID-19. Due to a shortage of testing and medical facilities, it is believed that the outbreak is far larger than the official numbers show.[6]
Prevention in other countries and territories[edit]
South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands[edit]
This remote territory is uninhabited, save for small communities of scientists; the territory is also occasionally visited by small groups of tourists.[131] On 17 March tourist facilities in Grytviken were closed as a precaution,[132] with various other measures being implemented to protect workers on the islands.[133] South Georgia is open for visitors with a permit and is still virus free as of 22 April.[134]