GUATEMALA

On July 27, the Executive Branch published a decree in the Official Gazette establishing that antimicrobials used to treat COVID-19 are to be classified as essential medicines. These medications include azithromycin, ivermectin, remdesivir and oseltamivir. The decree prohibits private individuals from hoarding or speculating on the prices of these inputs. The regulations also extend the state of public calamity in the country for a further 30 days. The measure is already in force. 

Following the recommendations of the World Health Organization (WHO), the decree establishes the following as essential medications: parenteral solutions, medicinal gases for ventilation and breathing of patients, corticosteroid and antimicrobial drugs (azithromycin, ivermectin, remdesivir, oseltamivir, among others). The measure prohibits individuals or legal entities from removing or hoarding these items as well as from price-speculation, monopolies, increasing prices, creating shortages or refusing to supply them.

In other news, the Executive also issued a regulation covering social distancing measures in the country. The pharmaceutical industry is obliged to operate between 9:00 and 17:00 until August 1. A ministerial agreement was also issued concerning a health alert system to allow the country to gradually reopen according to a “traffic light” strategy reflecting the level of risk of contagion by district. The first regulation is already in force, while the second will take effect tomorrow.