Colombia: Food warehouses disinfected for virus

Colombian authorities on Friday ordered Bogota's Corobastos warehouses closed for two days so as to be completely disinfected as a precaution against the spread of the new coronavirus.

The warehouses serves as the Colombia's largest food storage center able to store some 13 tons of produce before it is transferred to local grocery stores and markets throughout the country.

Police wearing masks drove water cannon trucks that sprayed water and detergent on the exterior of the warehouses as dozens of cleaners wearing protective gear scrubbed the floors and walls of the buildings with brushes.

The Colombian government announced harsh sanctions to people breaking the lockdown during Easter Holidays, but the measure is in place since March 24.

The new coronavirus has caused a global pandemic that has sickened at least 1,650,000 people, killed more than 98,000 worldwide, crippled economies and forced restrictions on the movement of millions of people in an effort to stop the virus from spreading further and overwhelming health care systems.

According to the John Hopkins University, Colombia has 2,223 COVID-19 confirmed cases and 69 deaths.

For most people, the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and a cough that clear up in two to three weeks.For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia, and death.

(Image Credit: AP)