Venezuela

 Highlights

• In April 2020, the Shelter, Energy and NFI Cluster reached, through partner organisations, 15,995 beneficiaries with a coverage of three states: Apure (8,093), Táchira (7,615), and Zulia (287). Since the beginning of the year, a total of 53,589 people benefitted with a coverage of six states and Distrito Capital. Overall, the assistance has been channelled towards border areas only (Colombia-Venezuela border).
• The reported number of Venezuelan returnees has increased, putting additional pressure to the temporary shelter arrangements, and especially those in the Colombian-Venezuelan border. Most of activities were implemented in the border states, with some activities targeting the Government-run Puntos de Atención Social Integral (PASI) and temporary shelter arrangements, run by both national and international organisations, including the Church.
• The World Health Organization (WHO) data compiled from national authorities as of 30 April 2020 shows 329 COVID-19 confirmed cases and 10 deaths in Venezuela. Under the coronavirus pandemic, the country decreed national lockdown and closed its border, only allowing Venezuelan returnees to enter. Access to the public services, including energy and electricity, remain low in many areas near the border with deficiencies to access electricity that last for hours and days.
• In collaboration with other clusters and, within the framework of the COVID-19 intersectoral plan that was launched by OCHA on 10 April 2020, the Cluster is working on standardising the NFI kits, including infection protection and control (IPC) items, and protocols to be implemented at the temporary shelter arrangements.