This increase has been observed over the last months of 2024 and the first weeks of 2025. In total, 61 cases of yellow fever were confirmed in 2024, with 30 resulting in death. This number exceeds the 58 reported cases of yellow fever, including 28 deaths, between 2022 and 2023 in Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, and Peru. In January of this year, 17 additional cases were reported, with seven deaths.

While in 2024, cases were mainly concentrated in the Amazon region of Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Guyana, and Peru, in 2025, the disease has begun to spread to areas outside this zone, particularly to the state of São Paulo, Brazil, and the department of Tolima, Colombia. Peru has also reported a fatal case. PAHO warns that other countries could also be affected.

Yellow fever is a serious viral disease that can be fatal, especially in its more severe form. This increase in cases highlights the urgent need to intensify efforts to prevent the spread of the virus, strengthen clinical management (with an emphasis on early detection and treatment of severe cases), and improve epidemiological surveillance in high-risk areas.

PAHO reminds that vaccination remains one of the most effective tools for preventing and controlling yellow fever. In 2024, most of the cases reported were in people who had not been vaccinated. In this regard, PAHO urges countries to continue strengthening their vaccination programs and to take appropriate measures to inform and protect travelers heading to high-risk areas.

Given the changes in the patterns of virus transmission, PAHO stresses the need to maintain active surveillance, particularly in areas near affected zones, to detect any suspected cases early and ensure timely isolation and treatment.

Key recommendations:

• Enhanced surveillance: Rapidly detect any suspected cases, even in areas not traditionally affected.
• Universal vaccination: Ensure that at least 95% of people in high-risk areas are vaccinated.
• Laboratory diagnosis: Conduct virological diagnostics via PCR during the first 7 to 10 days of illness, or ELISA IgM in the convalescent phase, with careful interpretation due to cross-reactivity in areas with other circulating flaviviruses.
• Clinical management: Strengthen early detection and specialized monitoring of severe patients as a key measure to save lives.
• Preparedness for outbreaks: Review and update the national and subnational vaccine inventory to plan a rapid emergency response.

Since 1970, yellow fever has reemerged as a public health threat in the Americas. The disease is endemic in 13 countries and territories in the region, causing outbreaks and deaths. In 2014, the virus spread beyond the Amazon basin. Some attribute this spread to changes in the interaction between monkeys, mosquitoes, and humans.

Khiron’s report outlines actions and initiatives undertaken in 2020 to strengthen ESG practices throughout the company’s operations and supply chain, along with Khiron’s goals for 2021 and 2022.  Khiron says the report adheres to global reporting initiative (GRI) standards and reflects the alignment of Khiron’s goals with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. A full copy of the report is available here.

“At Khiron, sustainability is embedded in our DNA, with the common belief that strong ESG policies improve performance, loyalty, and innovation, while reducing corporate risks and capital costs. Our inaugural ESG report demonstrates our dedication to strong environmental, social and governance principles as we deliver on our mission of improving lives through cannabis. I am proud of how our team rose to the challenges of 2020, achieving incredible milestones in an unprecedented year,” said CEO and co-founder Alvaro Torres.

“Increasingly, institutional investors are using ESG principles to guide investment decisions, and as one of the first global cannabis companies to publish an ESG report, we have achieved another corporate milestone that distinguishes us as an industry leader and market disruptor. We have set ambitious ESG goals for the next two years and I am confident our team will deliver on these objectives,” added Torres.

2020 ESG Highlights

1. Conducted initial identification and assessment of material environmental, social, economic and governance issues, resulting in the identification and prioritization of 10 overarching goals in alignment with United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
2. Identified eight key stakeholder groups impacted or influenced by Khiron, including shareholders, employees, patients, clients, local communities, the environment, suppliers, and government.
3. Commissioned solar park to reduce energy consumption at production facility by up to 40%, while implementing initiatives to measure and reduce consumption of resources, including energy, water, and materials.
4. Supported local communities during COVID-19 crisis by donating COVID-19 PCR testing equipment to the Santa Clara Hospital in Bogota; in addition, provided nutritional kits to vulnerable families, essential medical supplies to local hospitals, and COVID-19 training and support to community health care practitioner.
5. Secured 88% of production supplies from local suppliers and employed 74% residents at Khiron’s production facility.
6. Had a positive impact on local communities, with 61% of surveyed residents indicating that Khiron has had positive impact on the community.
7. Achieved wage parity between men and women in Khiron’s workforce, while fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace.
8. Promoted culture of compliance and robust corporate security; improved voluntary incident reporting by over 135x, conducted over 35 employee training sessions related to Khiron’s ESG goals, and had no regulatory infractions.
9. Leveraged a culture of innovation and adaptability, pivoting quickly in response to the COVID-19 crisis, rapidly developing telemedicine channels, managing supply chain to ensure patients received medications and reprioritizing capital.

In 2020, global sustainable funds attracted more than $150 billion in fund flows with COVID-19 serving as a catalyst for sustainability investing (Source: Morningstar). Additionally, according to RBC Global Asset Managements’ Responsible Investment Survey 2019, 70% of institutional investors surveyed use ESG principles when they invest. The top 3 reasons to apply ESG principles when investing were cited as (1) lower risks, (2) improved returns, and (3) acting in clients’ interests.

New Nationwide Post-Semana Santa Restrictions

Colombia has announced additional measures to reduce the risk of contagion by COVID-19. Movement restrictions in municipal areas will be triggered if hospital occupancy rates of hospital Intensive Care Unit (ICU) reach certain levels. These measures will be in effect from Monday, April 5, until Monday, April 19.

As a courtesy to our readers, this message has been reprinted in its entirety as issued by the US Embassy in Bogotá.

For information on your city’s specific restrictions and ICU occupancy rate, consult local media and the Colombian Ministry of Health website.

For cities with ICU occupancy of 85% or higher:

• Complete restriction on movement from 6 PM to 5 AM. Medellin, Santa Marta, and Cali currently meet this threshold.

For cities with ICU occupancy of 80% to 84%:

• Complete restriction on movement from 8 PM to 5 AM. Barranquilla currently meets this threshold.

For cities with ICU occupancy of 70% to 79%:

• Complete restriction on movement from 10 PM to 5 AM. Manizales currently meets this threshold.

For cities with ICU occupancy of 50% to 69%:

• Complete restriction on movement from Midnight to 5 AM. Bogota, Bucaramanga, Villavicencio, Armenia, Monteria, and Pereira currently meet this threshold

Please note that Pico y Cedula will be in effect in localities with ICU occupancy rates of 50% or above. Restaurants and parks are exempt from implementing Pico y Cedula measures. Under this policy only one member of each family may leave the home for shopping, banking, and any other services or errands. Businesses will allow entry to individuals based on the last number of their ID according to the following guidelines:

• On odd-numbered dates, people with IDs ending in even numbers may enter.
• On even-numbered dates, people with IDs ending in odd numbers may enter.

Local governments can take additional, more restrictive measures. You should monitor media reports for more specific information in your area. Refer to the municipal website of your locale for specific Pico y Cedula information.

COVID Testing Requirements

​Starting on April 7 until further notice, the Ministry of Health and Social Protection is requiring that all Colombians and foreign residents present a negative COVID PCR test to enter Colombia by air.

Further Information

• Consult the CDC website for the most up-to-date information.
• Review the CDC’s latest recommendations on reducing your risk of contagion.
• Review the State Department’s guidance on travel during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Visit our Embassy webpage on COVID-19 for information on conditions in Colombia.

Assistance

• U.S. Embassy Bogota, Colombia
  Tel. +57-1-275-2000
• acsbogota@state.gov
  https://co.usembassy.gov/
• U.S. Consular Agency, Barranquilla
  conagencybarranquilla@state.gov
• U.S. Department of State – Consular Affairs
  1-888-407-4747 or 1-202-501-4444
• Colombia Country Information
• Enroll in Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security updates
• Follow us on Facebook and Twitter

On January 12, 2021, CDC announced an Order requiring all air passengers arriving to the US from a foreign country to get tested no more than 3 days before their flight departs and to present the negative result or documentation of having recovered from COVID-19 to the airline before boarding the flight. Air passengers will also be required to confirm that the information they present is true in the form of an attestation. This Order is effective as of 12:01am EST (5:01am GMT) on January 26, 2021.

Reprinted from the US Government’s Centers for Disease Control Website for the convenience & safety of our readers

As of January 26, 2021, this Order replaces a previous order signed by the CDC Director on December 25, 2020, requiring a negative pre-departure COVID-19 test result for all airline passengers arriving into the United States from the United Kingdom.

After You Travel

1. Get tested3-5 days after travel AND stay home to self-quarantine for 7 days after travel.
2. Even if you test negative, stay home to self-quarantine for the full 7 days.
3. If your test is positive, isolate yourself to protect others from getting infected.​​
4. ​If you don’t get tested, it’s safest to stay home to self-quarantinefor 10 days after travel.​
5. Avoid being around people who are at increased risk for severe illness illness for 14 days, whether you get tested or not.
6. Always ​follow state and local recommendations or requirements related to travel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this requirement apply to US citizens?

This Order applies to all air passengers, 2 years of age or older, traveling into the US, including US citizens and legal permanent residents.

Are foreign nationals no longer subject to Presidential Proclamation travel restrictions if they can show a negative test or documentation of recovery?

The CDC order does not replace the Presidential proclamations. Therefore, a negative test result for COVID-19 or documentation of having recovered from COVID-19 to the airline before boarding the flight does not exempt a foreign national from the travel restrictions outlined in the Presidential proclamations.

With specific exceptions, several Presidential proclamations suspend and limit entry into the United States, as immigrants or nonimmigrants, all aliens who were physically present within specific countries during the 14-day period preceding their entry or attempted entry into the United States.

For a full list of countries and links to the proclamations on the White House website, visit Travelers Prohibited from Entry to the United States.

Are territories or possessions of the US considered foreign countries for the purposes of this Order?

No, the Order to present a documentation of a negative COVID-19 test or recovery from COVID-19 does not apply to air passengers flying from a US territory or possession to a US state.

US territories and possessions of the US include American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands.

When does this order take effect?

This Order will go into effect on January 26, 2021.

What is an attestation?

An attestation is a statement, writing, entry, or other representation under 18 U.S.C. § 1001 that confirms that the information provided is true.

Does this Order apply to land border crossings?

No, the requirements of this Order only apply to air travel into the US.

Who is checking to make sure that people have a negative test or documentation of recovery before they board a plane to the US?

The airline will confirm a COVID-19 negative test result or documentation of recovery for all passengers before boarding.

Will CDC provide information about international testing locations?

CDC is unable to provide information about locations and availability of testing in other countries. Check COVID-19 Country Specific Information for information on how and where to get tested in the country from which you are traveling or contact local authorities in that country.

Does an at home test qualify?

The Order requires a lab report to be presented to the airline or to public health officials upon request. A home specimen collection kit that is tested in a laboratory should meet the requirements, if such methods have been approved by the country’s national health authorities.

What is a verifiable test result?

A verifiable test result must be in the form of written documentation (paper or electronic copy) of a laboratory test result. Testing must be performed using a viral test (NAAT or antigen), and negative results must be presented to the airline prior to boarding. The test result documentation must include information that identifies the person, a specimen collection date and the type of test. A negative test result must show test was done within the 3 days before the flight. A positive test result must show the test was done within the 3 months before the flight.

What if I have had a COVID-19 vaccine or have tested positive for antibodies? Do I still need a negative COVID-19 test or documentation of recovery from COVID-19?

Yes, at this time all air passengers traveling to the US, regardless of vaccination or antibody status, are required to provide a negative COVID-19 test result or documentation of recovery.

When do I need to get a test to travel to the US and what kind of test do I need?

Get tested no more than 3 days before your flight to the US departs. Make sure to be tested with a viral test (NAAT or antigen test) to determine if you are currently infected with COVID-19. Also make sure that you receive your results before your flight departs and have documentation of your results to show the airline.

Do state and local governments in the US have separate testing requirements for air passengers?

Federal testing requirements must be met to board a plane to the US. Some state and local governments may have similar or more restrictive testing requirements for air passengers arriving in their jurisdictions. Always check and follow state and local recommendations or requirements related to travel in addition to federal requirements.

Do I still need a test if my trip is shorter than 3 days?

Yes, you will still need a test if your trip is shorter than 3 days. A viral test done in the US can be used to fulfill the requirements of the Order as long as the specimen was taken no more than 3 days before your return flight departs.

If your return travel is delayed longer than 3 days after your test, you will need to be retested before your return flight.

What if I recently recovered from COVID-19?

CDC does not recommend getting tested again in the three months after a positive viral test, as long as you do not have symptoms of COVID-19. If you have had a positive viral test in the past 3 months, and you have met the criteria to end isolation, you may travel instead with documentation of your positive viral test results and a letter from your healthcare provider or a public health official that states you have been cleared for travel. The positive test result and letter together are referred to as “documentation of recovery.”

A letter from your healthcare provider or a public health official that clears you to end isolation, e.g., to return to work or school, can be used to show you are cleared to travel, even if travel isn’t specifically mentioned in the letter.

What happens if I don’t take a test and want to travel to the US?

Air passengers traveling to the US are required to present a negative COVID-19 test result or documentation of recovery. Airlines must confirm the negative test result or documentation of recovery for all passengers before boarding. If a passenger chooses not to present a test result or documentation of recovery, the airline must deny boarding to the passenger.

What if I am overseas and can’t get tested before my flight?

Passengers should contact the airline regarding options for changing their departure date to allow time for a test, see if the airline has identified options for testing, or if there are options available for changing their flights to transit through a location where they can get tested before boarding their final flight to the United States.

What happens if I test positive?

People should self-isolate and delay their travel if symptoms develop or a pre-departure test result is positive until they have recovered from COVID-19. Airlines must refuse to board anyone who does not present a negative test result for COVID-19 or documentation of recovery.

What kind of documentation of my test result do I need to present?

CDC requires that air passengers arriving in the US have a paper or electronic copy of their test result for review by the airline before you board and for potential review by public health officials after you arrive in the US.

Can I get an exemption or waiver to the testing requirement?

Exemptions may be granted on an extremely limited basis when emergency travel (like an emergency medical evacuation) must occur to preserve someone’s life, health against a serious danger, or physical safety and testing cannot be completed before travel.

Do passengers also need to have a copy of their attestation as well as the airline retaining it?

Passengers are only required to retain a paper or electronic copy of their negative test result or documentation of recovery for the entirety of their itinerary.  The attestation should be submitted to and retained by the airline or aircraft operator.

What happens if my flight is delayed and it goes over the 3-day limit for testing?

If your flight is delayed before departure, you will need to get re-tested if the delay causes your test to fall outside of the 3-day pre-departure testing period requirement.

If I am connecting through the US to another country, do I still need to get tested?

Yes.  Any flight entering the US, even for a connection, will require testing before departure.

If I have one or more connecting flights to the US, does the 3-day period apply to the first flight or the last one?

If you are arriving on a direct flight to the US, your test must be done within the 3 days before your flight to the US departs. If you are arriving to the US via one or more connecting flights, your test must be done in the 3 days before the first flight in your itinerary, but only if the connecting flights were booked as a single passenger record with a final destination in the US and each connection (layover) is no longer than 24 hours long. If your connecting flight to the US was booked separately or a connection in your itinerary lasts longer than 24 hours, you will need to get tested within the 3 days before your flight that arrives in the US.

If I tested negative before my flight, do I need to get another test when I get to the US?

CDC recommends that travelers get tested 3-5 days after travel AND stay home or otherwise self-quarantine for 7 days after travel. Even if you test negative, stay home for the full 7 days. If you don’t get tested, it’s safest to stay home for 10 days. Always follow state and local recommendations or requirements related to travel.

All travelers (including those who have recovered from COVID-19) should remember to wear a mask, stay at least 6 feet apart from people who are not in your household, and wash their hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds after blowing their nose, coughing, or sneezing and before eating. Travelers should look for symptoms of COVID-19, and take your temperature if you feel sick. Anyone sick with symptoms of COVID-19 should self-isolate and delay further travel.

For more information, visit After You Travel Internationally

Do I need to get a test before leaving the US?

At this time, CDC does not have a testing requirement for outbound travelers, but recommends that you get tested with a viral test (NAAT or antigen) 1-3 days before you travel internationally. Travelers should check with international destinations for their entry requirements.

What is the justification for letting people who recently recovered from COVID-19 travel without a negative test? What about reinfections?

People who have recovered from COVID-19 can continue to test positive for up to 3 months after their infection. CDC does not recommended retesting within 3 months after a person with COVID-19 first developed symptoms (or the date of their first positive viral diagnostic test if their infection was asymptomatic). Even if they have recovered from COVID-19, people who develop symptoms of COVID-19 should not travel and should seek care for testing and evaluation. This guidance may be updated as additional information about people who have recovered from COVID-19 becomes available.

Can CDC help me get a refund for travel expenses if I have to cancel or delay travel because of testing requirements for air passengers flying to the US?

CDC does not reimburse and is unable to help travelers get reimbursements for travel expenses as a result of canceled or delayed travel because of COVID-19 or testing requirements for air passengers flying to the US. While some companies may base their policies on CDC’s travel recommendations or requirements, each company establishes its own refund policies.

In some cases, trip cancellation insurance can protect your financial investment in a trip if you need to change your itinerary in the event of an international outbreak. Visit CDC’s Travelers’ Health website if you would like to learn more about travel insurance, including trip cancellation insurance.

Will CDC reimburse me for the cost of a COVID-19 test?

CDC is not able to reimburse travelers for COVID-19 testing fees. You may wish to contact your insurance provider or the location that provided your test about payment options.

Aircraft Operators/Airlines/Crew FAQ

Does this order apply to all flights or just commercial flights?

This order applies to all flights, including private flights and general aviation aircraft (charter flights). Passengers traveling by air into the US are required to have proof of testing regardless of flight type.

Does the Order apply at pre-clearance ports?

Yes, the Order applies to all air passengers arriving from foreign countries.

What types of crew are exempt from the requirements of the Order? What types of travel by crew are exempt from the requirements of the Order?

Crew members on official duty assigned by the air carrier or operator that involves operation of aircraft, or the positioning of crew not operating the aircraft (i.e., on “deadhead” status), are exempt from the requirements of the Order provided their assignment is under an air carrier’s or operator’s occupational health and safety program. For the exemption to apply, the occupational health and safety program must follow industry standard protocols for the prevention of COVID-19 as set forth in relevant Safety Alerts for Operators (SAFOs)  issued jointly by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and CDC. Other persons, such as maintenance personnel or contractors, may also be exempted if:

Their travel is for the purpose of operating the aircraft or ensuring the safety of flight operations; AND

The air carrier extends its occupational health and safety program to cover these individuals and ensures these persons follow the protocols contained in SAFO and CDC guidance; AND

The travel cannot be planned with sufficient time to enable the employee to take a COVID-19 test and obtain the results before the operational travel.

Air carriers or operators who assign their crew to travel in an official duty status (i.e., position or deadhead) on another air carrier should coordinate with that air carrier regarding their crew member’s eligibility for an exemption from testing. The air carrier should provide the crew member with any required documentation in addition to the crew member’s identification.

Crew members traveling for training, commuting to or from work, or for business reasons not associated with the operation of the aircraft are not exempt from the testing requirement. Nor are crew traveling for personal reasons, such as leisure travel.

Operators of aircraft that are not operating under an air carrier’s or operator’s occupational health and safety program as described above are not exempt from the requirements of the Order.

Where can airlines find the industry protocols that crew must follow to qualify for the exemption?

See Safety Alert for Operators for the relevant guidance issued jointly by the Federal Aviation Administration.

Will the US Government release the attestation form in other languages?

At this time, the attestation form is not available in other languages. Airlines and aircraft operators may use a third party to provide translations of the attestation. However, the airline or aircraft operator is responsible for ensuring the accuracy of any translation. The airline or aircraft operator may not shift this responsibility to a third party.

The attestation may be difficult for our passengers to understand. Can the US Government or airlines provide a simpler version?

At this time, there is no alternative form of attestation. Airlines and aircraft operators must use the current attestation without alternation.

What should airlines and operators of private flights or general aviation aircraft do with passenger attestations?

Operators of private flights and general aviation aircraft must maintain passenger attestations for two years, per the Order.

Do airlines and operators of private flights or general aviation aircraft need to keep copies of passenger test results?

No, passengers must show a copy of their test results to airline employees or the aircraft operator before boarding, but the airline or aircraft operator does not need to retain copies of test results.

Content source: National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases (NCIRD), Division of Viral Diseases

Headline photo courtesy Viva Air

A negative COVID-19 test result must result from a PCR test administered no more than 96 hours prior to departure.This rule applies to all international arrivals regardless of age (including infants) or nationality. Failure to adhere to Colombian government requirements may result in denial of boarding, detention at the port of entry, and/or removal from Colombia. For further information on the policy of COVID-19 testing for inbound travelers, contact your airline and refer to press from the Government of Colombia here.

It is important to obtain test results as close to the travel date as possible, because if the test results fall outside of the 96-hour window due to a flight delay, regardless of reason, the traveler may be denied boarding.

This test requirement is in addition to the existing “Check-Mig” requirement for both inbound and outbound travelers. All travelers must complete the online Check-Mig form here between 24 hours and 1 hour prior to arrival in, or departure from, Colombia. Carry a print-out of the form and be ready to show the electronic version on his or her mobile device at Colombian immigration.

Ministry of Health Announcement (in Spanish)

When travelers are unable to present a valid and timely PCR test, the health ministry clarified that those passengers should be allowed to board if they verbally state that they had difficulties in taking the aforementioned test or in obtaining the result in the term required prior to the flight; For these purposes, the verbal attestation of the passenger will be sufficient, which will be understood to be made under the gravity of legal oath.

“When boarding the plane, the person states that he had no possibility of taking the test, he arrives in the country and the test is done maintaining isolation while the result of the test arrives. It facilitates the process and allows that there is no problem upon arrival in the country” said minister Dr. Fernando Ruíz Gómez.

According to the health ministry, the passenger must inform the Immigration Officer at the time of entry whether they have the PCR test with a negative result for covid-19 taken within 96 hours prior to boarding or if they choose to: either perform the PCR test in Colombia and remain in medical isolation until receiving a negative result of it or alternatively,  remain in voluntary isolation of 14 days in lieu of a valid test result. In either case, the traveler must provide the address or exact hotel where the traveler will isolate, and is subject to verification and spot checks by medical and immigration authorities.

The traveler is responsible for all costs of testing, isolation, and / or necessary medical treatment.

Ruíz indicated that during December 2020, the country expects 120,000 inbound travelers, between tourists and Colombians returning from abroad. “As long as the Ministry of Health does not apply the ruling and does not change the rule, the situation will continue the same,” said Ruíz.

“For the people who are traveling to Colombia we want to tell them that while this situation supplies the entire legal process, they will be able to continue coming to Colombia without taking the PCR test and without having to be subjected to a mandatory 14-day quarantine,” he said.

In late November, an attorney, Alberto González Mebarack, launched a lawsuit in Bogotá to demand that the Colombian Ministry of Health reimpose the requirement for a negative PCR test on any traveler entering Colombia. After considering the demand for 11 days, the judge initially ruled in favor of the attorney, who claimed that the motivation for his suit was that Colombia does not have sufficient health care capacity to control risks caused by such international travel.

Photo courtesy Colombian Health Ministry