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Colombia’s lockdown fuels anxiety

BOGOTA, Colombia — Like much of the world, Colombia shut down in March as coronavirus cases surged in Europe and began trickling into the South American country.

But while restrictions have been lifted in many places elsewhere, a nationwide stay-at-home order remains in effect in Colombia more than four months after being put into place.

Isolation orders have been extended repeatedly as cases continue to rise and a limited economic reopening that began in April has inched forward only slightly. Colombia now has the ninth-highest total of COVID-19 infections worldwide, prompting President Ivan Duque to prolong the quarantine again until late August.

The effects of the long isolation are beginning to surface: In the capital of Bogota, the mayor’s office reports that suicide attempts are up 21% since the start of quarantine.

Psychologists have seen a dramatic rise in new patients complaining of anxiety and depression. Divorce lawyers say they are getting more inquiries, although clients also discover they cannot afford to separate.

“From one moment to the next, my life changed,” said Myriam Roncancio, 35, who is living with her parents after breaking up with her husband. “A 180-degree turn.”

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