Bolivia turns on satellite internet, TV at border quarantine camp

The government of Bolivia has turned on satellite-based internet and digital TV services at a quarantine camp on the border with Chile for repatriated Bolivians.

The connectivity service is being provided by the ministry of public works, services and housing (MOPSV) through the Bolivian space agency (ABE), and is provided at no cost to the camp residents, according to authorities.

The Tata Santiago camp is in the border town of Pisiga and was created to receive repatriated citizens who must undergo a 14-day quarantine to rule out COVID-19 infections.

At least 500 people will have access to digital television via 32 local channels, 12 of them high definition, in addition to 30 radio stations, the ministry said.

On Monday, at least 450 Bolivians repatriated from Iquique, Chile, will join the camp and remain isolated as a preventive measure to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

ABE is also providing provide satellite connectivity to hundreds of disabled telehealth centers located in rural areas as part of the country’s fight against the coronavirus pandemic.

As of April 19, Bolivia had recorded 564 cases of COVID-19, with 33 deaths, the health ministry reported.

The worst-hit departments are Santa Cruz, with 290 cases, and La Paz (133).