Update on Coronavirus in Ecuador

As of this morning, March 22nd, there have been 789 cases of covid-19 confirmed in Ecuador which has resulted in 14 deaths. This is a drastic increase from a little over a week ago when there were under 100 hundred cases detected. Ecuador has made significant strides to combat this global pandemic by halting pretty much all international and domestic flights and limiting people’s abillity to leave their homes and potential spread this sickness. Restaurants and malls are now all closed. The only people who are allowed to go to work are those who are esential to keep life moving forward: grocery stores, pharmacies, medical staff, police, utility workers, and those who care for the vulnerable. Schools throughout Ecuador have all closed and many have moved to online formats. The incredibly popular bus system has halted throughout the country and inviduals are only allowed to drive their cars 3 or 4 times per week. The capital city of Quito has moved into a “stay at home” status where no one is allowed to go outside unless it is for purchasing food, medicine or for caring for an elderly, disabled or otherwise vulnverable person.

Please pray for the staff of the Home for At Risk Children and the Medical Clinic in Cayambe as this has taken a huge toll on them. The staff of our Clinic is of course on the front lines of this pandemic as they are one of the leading medical instituations in the greater Cayambe area. Our staff in the Home has moved into a rotating schedule as caring for the children 24-7 (never leaving for school) has added a lot of stress on the situation there. Please pray for the children as they are scared about what the future holds.