During Colombia's Coronavirus Lockdown, Needy Residents Signal SOS With Red Rags
"It's not just city hall that has to act. You have to promote solidarity among neighbors," says a mayor who encourages residents sheltering in place to hang red rags so others will know to help them.
With COVID-19 deaths spiking in many Latin American countries, Colombia — which has confirmed more than 23,000 cases and 776 deaths — is extending its nationwide lockdown until the end of this month. That has meant more hardship for people living hand to mouth.
So some desperate Colombians have been sending out an eye-catching SOS — with encouragement from local politicians.
In a sprawling mountainside slum in Soacha, just south
