What is the Situation on the Ground? Bangladesh’s capital, Dhaka, is the centre of the outbreak. The government began easing restrictions in May, reopening factories and other businesses to lessen the economic impact on the country. Restrictions on public activities and movement across the country remain in place until 3 August, and schools and universities are closed indefinitely. Masks are mandatory outside the home, and no one is allowed outdoors between 10pm and 5am. As typhoon season continues in the region, local officials must deal with potential evacuations and loss of homes in the midst of this pandemic.

Are Compassion Centres Open? All Compassion group activities are on hold. Compassion Bangladesh staff and local church partners have been able to send 40,207 food packs and 42,183 hygiene kits to children and their families. Additionally, they have provided medical support to 605 people.

They report that many families have no source of income, so they are providing necessary funds to buy daily essentials. Staff members are maintaining regular contact with children and caregivers through phone calls.

What is the Situation on the Ground? COVID-19 cases are rapidly rising in Bolivia, more than tripling since the country began reopening economic activities in early June. The government has announced an extension of national quarantine measures until 31 July. Social distancing and the use of masks in public places are required, and curfews are in place from 6pm to 5am. Classes and other public events remain suspended. All borders remain closed and international flights are suspended.

Are Compassion Centres Open? Group activities at all Compassion child development centres remain on hold. Under the updated government regulations, delivery of food is permitted from 8am to 10pm daily, so local centres and church partners are working to provide food, disease prevention materials and hygiene supplies to children and their families.

Since the crisis began, they have delivered 166,027 food packs and 52,035 hygiene kits to vulnerable children and families. They are also checking in with families via phone to provide spiritual and emotional support. Compassion Bolivia has deployed teams of physicians and psychologists to support our frontline church partners.

What is the Situation on the Ground? Brazil has become one of the new epicentres of COVID-19, and cases have now surpassed 1 million. The virus has spread into the Northeast, where most of the country’s poverty exists, and to indigenous territories in the Amazon — all areas with limited medical care. Spikes have also occurred in Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro. On 20 June, Brazil extended its border closure until at least 5 July.

All states where Compassion works are currently practising social isolation. Schools and public gathering locations, such as shopping malls and restaurants, are closed.

Are Compassion Centres Open? Currently, all centres in Brazil are closed in order to abide by local guidelines. However, local workers are making every effort to provide for the basic needs of the children, including the delivery of 97,150 food baskets and 75,573 hygiene kits. Additionally, they have provided medical support to 2,156 people.

The majority of letters are delayed in Brazil, which means it may take longer for you to receive letters from your child. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t write! We encourage you to continue sending your sponsored child letters of encouragement and hope. What a joyful day it will be when those letters are delivered!

Meanwhile, local church partners are maintaining phone contact with families and providing Bible stories, video lessons and prayers, as well as care for those struggling mentally and emotionally. They have also launched a child protection campaign on social media and are holding online worship services for youth.

What is the Situation on the Ground? Burkina Faso continues to see COVID-19 cases rising. The government is instructing citizens to follow hygiene and sanitation measures to mitigate the spread of the virus. All citizens must wear face masks in public. Schools, professional training centres and universities are closed, but the government has begun a phased reopening, including allowing schools to begin administering exams, and reopening of markets and churches. As of 3 June, the countrywide curfew was lifted, except in provinces still under a state of emergency.

Are Compassion Centres Open? All Compassion local church partners have kept child development centres closed and group activities on hold, in order to abide by local guidelines. But they continue regular child protection oversight and healthcare support. Staff have distributed 191,843 food packs and 130,258 hygiene kits to families, and continue to work to raise awareness of COVID-19 prevention. They have also assisted 7238 individuals in accessing medical care. Some churches have helped families construct simple washing stations to use at their homes.

What is the Situation on the Ground? Colombia continues to experience widespread, ongoing transmission of COVID-19. The government has mandated a national quarantine, which has been extended until 15 July. Both domestic and international flights have been suspended. Local health specialists believe the country’s infections will peak later this summer. All educational institutions are closed until further notice.

Are Compassion Centres Open? All Compassion centre activities are on hold. Local church partners continue to monitor home situations for child protection. They have provided families with vouchers to be used in local markets in areas where they cannot deliver food. Over the past few months they have distributed 141,029 food packs and 104,114 hygiene kits to families, and have facilitated medical support for 2959 individuals. Staff members have also created activity kits for children to do at home, and some centres have held virtual birthday celebrations.

Additionally, staff and church partners are working to develop online curriculum lessons and devotionals to be shared with registered children and their families, and they are making daily calls to check in with children and their families.

What is the Situation on the Ground? The Dominican Republic’s infection rate and death toll continue to rise. The Dominican Republic reopened to international travelers for the first time in more than three months on 1 July, ushering in Phase 4 of the country’s reopening plan. Businesses have also begun reopening but with a reduced workforce. Masks are required in all public places.

Are Compassion Centres Open? All Compassion child development centres are closed.

Staff members are providing physical and emotional support to families, including the delivery of 53,917 food packs and 6763 hygiene kits, while complying with guidelines.

They are also working with local doctors to facilitate telehealth calls with families. Centres are holding online video classes, and some tutors have recorded short video lessons for children to view at home. Local church partners are providing video sermons, online prayer services and counselling by phone.

What is the Situation on the Ground? Ecuador has confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 in all 24 provinces. The majority of confirmed cases have been in Guayaquil, though Quito faced a surge in May, with the city’s government stating on 14 May that more than 80 per cent of the 164 intensive care beds in Quito’s public hospitals were occupied. Beginning 12 May, restrictions began to be eased in Ecuador, with workforces beginning a phased reopening and some travel restrictions being lifted. Curfews are still in place, and masks and social distancing are encouraged. Testing remains extremely limited, however, and death tolls indicate that the number of positive cases is higher than reported.

Are Compassion Centres Open? All Compassion church partners and Compassion centres are closed to group activities. Local staff members continue to provide emotional and spiritual support by making regular phone calls to families. They have been able to deliver 109,257 food packs and 9887 hygiene kits, and have provided medical support to 1628 individuals since the pandemic began, including helping families access telehealth services.

Some church partners have been able to hold online worship services and prayer meetings.

What is the Situation on the Ground? The government of El Salvador has declared a state of national quarantine. All educational activities are suspended, and Compassion programming is on hold. In June, the country was hit by Tropical Storm Amanda, causing widespread damage and leaving thousands homeless in areas already deeply affected by the coronavirus.

Are Compassion Centres Open? Centres are closed to group meetings and activities. Compassion church partners are supporting vulnerable families with food and available medicine, and developing online tutoring materials so children can continue learning from home.

To date, Compassion El Salvador has been able to distribute 91,305 food packs and 49,664 hygiene kits, and to provide medical support to 8756 individuals. Local staff are also providing resources to help families plant home gardens. Compassion El Salvador has shared uplifting messages and public health information for entire communities through local radio. Some centre staff members have been able to arrange small, virtual birthday celebrations for children.

What is the Situation on the Ground? Ethiopia responded quickly to COVID-19, and while the number of fatalities remains low, the country recorded its highest daily increase of cases in June. The country remains under a state of emergency until August. Schools and universities are closed. Large gatherings are banned, and traffic to and from the capital city is restricted. In addition to the pandemic, the people of Ethiopia are dealing with locust swarms that threaten many families’ crops.

Are Compassion Centres Open? Currently, all centres in Ethiopia are closed for group meetings, activities and training, in order to abide by local guidelines.

Local church partners and centre staff in Ethiopia have distributed 165,840 food packs and 167,240 hygiene kits and have provided medical support to 4025 individuals. They have educated families on COVID-19 prevention and care and given their personal contact information to families so they can have quick access if needed. Additionally, staff have ensured that 526 centres across the nation have working hand-washing facilities for children, families and the community to access.

Staff members are working to create virtual programming activity, including videos and livestreams. They continue to call and check in on families, and in some communities they are able to visit children while obeying social distancing guidelines.

What is the Situation on the Ground? The government of Ghana has begun to lift lockdowns in some larger cities, and some schools will reopen for final-year students to take exams. Social distancing is being encouraged as the number of positive cases still continues to rise, and public gatherings are limited to 100 people. All borders remain closed. Beginning in June, religious services began taking place with 25 per cent attendance, with a maximum of 100 people.

Are Compassion Centres Open? All Compassion local church partners are closed, and therefore many activities are on hold. Some centres have been able to hold small gatherings of five people and conduct home visits while following social distancing guidelines. Centres continue to handle emergency healthcare, child protection interventions and disaster response for the children as needed.

So far, they have been able to provide 14,299 food packs and 9949 hygiene kits, as well as medical support to 5069 individuals. Staff are educating children and their families on COVID-19 prevention and personal hygiene. Some churches are using innovative ways of continuing to provide lessons through video and phone calls, particularly lessons aimed at teens and young adults.

Are Gifts Being Delivered? Gifts continue to be distributed in Ghana. Staff members have been given the option to disburse monetary gifts to an appropriate, verified caregiver, if necessary. This applies to family gifts and child gifts (including birthday and final gifts). Families may spend the gift on whatever they consider most important to meet family needs. The caregiver will be notified whether a gift has been designated as a child gift or family gift. The caregiver will decide the best use of the money, recognising that sometimes purchasing food or paying rent is in the best interest of a child.

What is the Situation on the Ground? As the number of confirmed cases continues to rise, Guatemala remains on lockdown. Many in the country have lost their jobs, and malnutrition is on the rise amid food shortages and increased prices. A curfew is in place from 6pm to 5am, and large public events and gatherings are prohibited. Schools, churches, sports activities, shopping malls, restaurants, and public and private organisations, are all closed, except for pharmacies and hospitals. All individuals must wear masks in public spaces.

Are Compassion Centres Open? At this point, all centers in Guatemala are closed in order to abide by local guidelines. Staff members are still calling and checking in on families, and in some communities are able to visit children while obeying social distancing guidelines.

Local church partners have worked within curfew guidelines to deliver 139,190 food packs and 41,560 hygiene kits to children and their families. Additionally, they have facilitated medical support for 1842 individuals. Staff members continue to reach out to children and their families through regular phone calls, and often pray with caregivers and children during these times. They have also distributed art kits and children’s magazines.

Are Children Receiving Letters? The majority of letters are delayed in Guatemala, which means it may take longer for you to receive letters from your child. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t write! We encourage you to continue sending your sponsored child letters of encouragement and hope. What a joyful day it will be when those letters are delivered!

What is the Situation on the Ground? Coronavirus cases have been confirmed in all Haitian departments (states). Schools, universities, places of worship and factories are closed until further notice. Gatherings of more than 10 people are banned, and a curfew is in place from 8pm to 5am. However, the extreme poverty in the country makes it difficult for Compassion assisted families to respect confinement guidelines, as they must go daily to crowded open-air markets for food and supplies. Markets and buses are reportedly full of people despite the warnings. The virus is quickly spreading through crowded, densely packed neighbourhoods with little or no access to running water.

Are Compassion Centres Open? All Compassion child development centres have stopped group program activities. Local centre workers are attempting to keep in touch with the children safely through phone calls and texts. They have been able to deliver 87,413 food packs and 69,659 hygiene kits, and have provided medical assistance to 4017 people.

Centre staff are also working to provide Bible studies and other lessons through phone calls as much as possible. A small number are available each day at the centres to deal with emergencies and in-person needs.

What is the Situation on the Ground? The level of coronavirus testing is extremely low in Honduras, making it difficult to get an accurate view of how the country has been affected. The public health system has limited capacity for handling severe cases of COVID-19. All borders are closed, and a national quarantine is in place. Public gatherings (sports, cultural, social and religious events, etc.) and public transportation are suspended, and most businesses are closed. Only hospitals, supermarkets, pharmacies, banks and gas stations are open.

Are Compassion Centres Open? All Compassion programs and activities are cancelled. Program staff members have delivered 46,839 food packs and 19,840 hygiene kits, and are reinforcing hygiene and safety measures with caregivers. They have also been able to facilitate medical support for 1032 people since the quarantine began. All who are delivering food have undergone training by the local government on safety measures. Church workers are keeping in touch with families via phone calls and recording video lessons for children.

What is the Situation on the Ground? Indonesia has deployed army troops and police officers to enforce rules on wearing face masks and social distancing as the country begins reopening its economy after its coronavirus lockdown. Schools are temporarily closed, and the government is limiting capacity in public areas, including markets and other businesses. The Indonesian health system is at or beyond capacity, and medical services are limited. Additionally, the country is battling a dengue outbreak, compounding the issues triggered by the pandemic.

Are Compassion Centres Open? Compassion child development centres remain closed. Staff members have created online lessons for children and are beginning to make home visits, in which they check in on families while following social distancing guidelines. Centre workers are staying in contact with the children online where possible.

Despite strict mobility restrictions, they have managed to distribute emergency supplies, including soap, clean water, vitamins, garden seeds and groceries. Since the beginning of the pandemic, they have distributed 285,741 food packs and 260,388 hygiene kits, and provided medical support to 15,376 individuals.

Compassion health specialists are providing videos and flyers on disease prevention and hygiene.

What is the Situation on the Ground? The number of COVID-19 cases has been increasing in Kenya, threatening to overburden the healthcare system. The ministry of health recently released protocols for home-based isolation and care. Public gatherings are banned, and social distancing measures have been implemented. All schools are closed indefinitely. A curfew is in effect from 9pm to 4am.

Are Compassion Centres Open? All Compassion group activities, including weekly child programs, caregiver meetings and group trainings, are on hold. Compassion Kenya is providing the centres with information about prevention of the coronavirus and how to respond if children are affected.

Food security is an increasing challenge, as many households struggle to buy groceries. We are grateful to report that staff members have delivered 11,523 food packs to vulnerable children and their families. Local church partners are continuing child protection measures and healthcare support as needed.

What is the Situation on the Ground? The numbers of confirmed and suspected cases are increasing daily in several regions of Mexico, including Mexico City, Tabasco, Sinaloa, Aguascalientes and Yucatan. Hospital occupancy rates also continue to increase. Health authorities are asking people to stay at home to slow the spread of the virus. Some states have implemented additional restrictions on public gatherings, transportation and businesses. The country has begun a phased reopening. In Mexico City, shops, restaurants and hotels will open with limited capacity in early July.

Are Compassion Centres Open? All Compassion child development centres have put group program activities on hold. Most centres are distributing food to the families of vulnerable children. All local church partners have received flyers on disease prevention and treatment that they can print and distribute in their communities.

Staff members have distributed 82,571 food packs and 58,992 hygiene kits, and have provided medical support to 3519 individuals.

Some tutors have been able to record lessons that they are sending to the children so they can learn from home.

What is the Situation on the Ground? Accurate figures related to the coronavirus in Nicaragua are difficult to come by, and medical professionals indicate that cases and deaths may be underreported. The Nicaraguan government has not imposed any domestic travel restrictions or national quarantine policies, but the country is under an epidemiological alert and has put some preventive measures in place.

Are Compassion Centres Open? Early in the pandemic, Compassion Nicaragua staff participated in a World Health Organisation orientation about prevention of virus spread.

Child development centres temporarily are not holding group meetings or activities. Since the pandemic began, staff members have distributed 55,147 food packs and 32,888 hygiene kits, and provided 1170 individuals with medical support. Some local church partners have been able to provide spiritual content through videos and messaging apps. Staff members have also been able to arrange for telehealth appointments for children who need medical care.

What is the Situation on the Ground? COVID-19 cases continue to rise in Peru, and about 85 per cent of Peru’s ICU beds with ventilators are currently occupied. The country remains under a nationwide state of emergency that includes self-quarantine and closed borders. Peru’s national state of emergency has been extended to 31 July, with quarantine measures lifted throughout most of the country on 1 July. Curfews have been reduced in most regions to 10pm to 4pm. Large gatherings remain suspended, and commercial businesses must operate at a 50 per cent capacity.

Are Compassion Centres Open? All Compassion frontline church partners have put children's and youths' activities on hold. The national staff and church partners are monitoring children and families who are vulnerable due to extreme poverty, possible abuse or health complications.

Centre workers are working closely with local authorities to deliver supplies to families, and have been able to distribute 161,319 food packs and 49,125 hygiene kits. Additionally, they have helped 1370 individuals access medical support during the quarantine.

Tutors and pastors are providing virtual counselling as needed to children and caregivers.

Are Gifts Being Delivered? Gifts continue to be distributed in Peru. Staff members have been given the option to disburse monetary gifts to an appropriate, verified caregiver, if necessary. This applies to family gifts and child gifts (including birthday and final gifts). Families may spend the gift on whatever they consider most important to meet family needs. The caregiver will be notified whether a gift has been designated as a child gift or family gift. The caregiver will decide the best use of the money, recognising that sometimes purchasing food or paying rent is in the best interest of a child.

What is the Situation on the Ground? Rwanda has recently experienced a surge of cases, and sadly announced its first two COVID-19 related deaths in June. Borders remain closed, and schools, places of worship and Compassion centres are closed until September. A curfew is in place from 9pm to 5am, and masks must be worn in public at all times. Public and private businesses can resume with essential staff only. Borders remain closed and domestic and international travel are limited to charter flights.

Are Compassion Centres Open? Compassion centre workers are communicating with children and caregivers by phone where possible. They have been able to provide care and support to vulnerable children, including those who are malnourished and have medical issues.

Staff members are working within local guidelines to distribute supplies and have been able to deliver 73,322 food packs and 100,476 hygiene kits. Additionally, they have helped 4542 individuals access medical support during the quarantine.

Sponsor gifts to children and families are being delivered as electronic cash transfers. The Compassion Rwanda office is working with local staff to offer counselling support during this difficult season.

What is the Situation on the Ground? Sri Lanka has seen a decrease of cases since implementing a lockdown early in the crisis. Public gatherings are banned, and schools began a phased reopening on 20 June. An island-wide curfew is in place from 10pm to 4am, though it has been relaxed in some regions to allow people to begin to return to work. No passenger flights or ships may enter the country until further notice, and all postal services are suspended.

Are Compassion Centres Open? Compassion programming is on hold, although some local church partners are developing plans to clean and sanitise centres in preparation for children to return. Child development centre workers are committed to reaching out to families via phone at least once a week, and in some areas they have been able to conduct home visits while obeying social distancing guidelines.

Local staff have distributed 52,730 food packs and 29,638 hygiene kits, and are delivering seed packets and disease prevention information as they are able under the government guidelines.

One centre is holding a virtual art competition for the children, and some are exploring distance learning as a way to distribute lessons to children online. Children continue to write letters to their sponsors from home.

What is the Situation on the Ground? The Tanzanian government has not released any data on COVID-19 in Tanzania since 29 April, and testing is limited. Given the presumed ongoing community transmission in Dar es Salaam and other locations in Tanzania, the risk of contracting COVID-19 remains high. All schools, colleges and universities are currently closed, and public gatherings are banned. There is a risk of healthcare facilities becoming quickly overwhelmed, and limited hospital capacity throughout the country could result in dangerous delays for emergency care.

Are Compassion Centres Open? At this point, all centres in Tanzania are closed in order to abide by local guidelines. Group meetings and activities are on hold. Local church partners continue to provide medical attention and child protection to children and families as needed. Staff members have been able to distribute 35,356 food packs and 72,967 hygiene kits to families and provide medical support to 3754 individuals. Some have been able to conduct home visits while carefully maintaining social distancing.

What is the Situation on the Ground? Reported cases of COVID-19 in Thailand seem to be declining. The government has begun easing some restrictions, allowing reopening of some businesses. Social distancing rules remain in effect, and international flights are banned until further notice.

The effects of the pandemic have hit those in poverty particularly hard. The number of those living on less than $5.50 per day in Thailand has more than doubled from 4.7 million in the first quarter of 2020 to 9.7 million in the second quarter.

Are Compassion Centres Open? Compassion child development centres are closed to group activities. In some areas, workers have been able to do home visits and hold group gatherings of under 10 while obeying social distancing guidelines. Church partners are distributing soap, sanitiser gels and face masks in some areas, and some centres have begun making masks and sanitiser.

Local staff have distributed 75,058 food packs and 47,413 hygiene kits to registered children and their families. Where possible, workers are keeping in contact with the children by phone and occasionally by in-person visits, while maintaining social distancing. Additionally, staff members have developed online resources, including devotionals, for Compassion assisted children and their families.

What is the Situation on the Ground? The Philippines is now under Modified General Community Quarantine, which has allowed some businesses to reopen. However, Cebu City and Talisay City have returned to a stricter quarantine status because of a surge in cases. As typhoon season continues in the region, local governments face potential struggles, including the possibility of having to evacuate people under quarantine.

Additionally, an estimated 2.5 million Filipinos have lost their jobs during the coronavirus lockdown.

Are Compassion Centres Open? Compassion church partners and child development centres are still closed for group activities, but some centres are beginning to plan how to meet while following strict health protocols.

A limited staff from each centre is working to provide relief goods, and has been able to distribute 314,674 food packs and 131,302 hygiene kits. Additionally, 16,178 people have been provided medical support during this season.

Church staff members are providing counselling and making follow-up visits where there are suspected cases of abuse. The centres are providing alternative learning and home-based activities for the children, including colouring books for children and journals for youths.

What is the Situation on the Ground? Togo announced that nearly half of those who have tested for positive for COVID-19 in the country have now recovered. The country remains under a state of emergency. Borders are closed, public meetings of more than 15 people are banned, and schools are closed except for students taking exams. A curfew is in place from 8pm until 6am.

Are Compassion Centres Open? Compassion child development centres are closed. Compassion’s local centre staff members are taking food packages to vulnerable children, monitoring the health of children and families, delivering medical funds in cases of illness, and praying continually.

Staff members have been encouraged to limit face-to-face visits when possible for safety and are communicating with families via phone and video calls. They have been able to safely deliver 104,265 food packs and 117,574 hygiene kits to families, in addition to providing medical support to 6831 individuals. Some church partners have been able to install hand-washing centres for community use.

Are Gifts Being Delivered? Gifts continue to be distributed in Togo. Staff members have been given the option to disburse monetary gifts to an appropriate, verified caregiver, if necessary. This applies to family gifts and child gifts (including birthday and final gifts). Families may spend the gift on whatever they consider most important to meet family needs. The caregiver will be notified whether a gift has been designated as a child gift or family gift. The caregiver will decide the best use of the money, recognising that sometimes purchasing food or paying rent is in the best interest of a child.

What is the Situation on the Ground? Coronavirus cases continue to rise in Uganda, and the country is on lockdown. Public transportation is operating at half capacity, and mass gatherings have been halted. Churches, schools and nonessential businesses are closed. A curfew is in place from 7pm to 6:30am. Face coverings are required in public. Recently, the Ugandan government temporarily opened its borders to thousands of refugees from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Refugees will be quarantined for two weeks and tested for COVID-19.

Are Compassion Centres Open? Compassion child development centres have discontinued group activities. Local centre staff members are visiting children's homes only when absolutely necessary, including assisting with medical needs and child protection. They are sending monetary support to the children's families as electronic transfers to mobile phones or in the form of cash to those who must walk to the centre while observing safety measures.

Additionally, they have been able to distribute 37,085 food packs and 8,576 hygiene kits to Compassion assisted families, and they have provided medical support to 3249 individuals.