On May 5, Colombian President Iván Duque announced the extension of the mandatory quarantine until May 25. In this new stage, the National Government will allow the reactivation of new sectors of the economy under strict biosecurity protocols. The measure covers both retail and wholesale sectors of industry and commerce. Likewise, there will be greater economic reactivation in districts not reporting COVID-19 cases, and recreational outings will be enabled for children and teenagers. The economic emergency was also extended until June 6. 

“We are going to extend the Mandatory Preventive Isolation, in the context of recovering a gradual space for productive activity, with the responsibility of continuing to protect everybody’s lives and health,” said Duque. He added that economic reopening in those districts with less COVID-19 cases will have to be done without creating any opportunities for mass gatherings and crowds. “No bars, no nightclubs, no crowds attending cultural and sporting events, and restaurants will only be allowed to sell take-away food or home delivery,” the president explained.  

The wholesale sectors authorized to operate include companies selling trailers, IT products, furniture, vehicles, machinery and clothing. In the retail sector, vehicle dealerships, bookstores, stationery stores, pet stores, and laundries with a delivery service will be allowed to operate.

Likewise, on May 6, Duque extended the economic emergency explaining that this emergency will allow the payment of up to 40% of the minimum wage of private workers for three months for companies whose revenues are affected by over 20%.  He also announced that income tax payments will be postponed until December.