In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic that has been affecting the world since last December, and Latin America for about a month, social isolation, hygiene and, fundamentally, handwashing, have proven to be the most efficient measures to prevent the spread of the virus.
In this context, access to potable water and sanitation is essential. Operators from Latin America are acting accordingly with the aim to guarantee the service to the population as measures are taken to keep staff safe.Listed below are the measures taken by the 15 operators from 8 countries (Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Honduras, Mexico and Uruguay) which have responded to the campaign launched by the Secretariat of WOP-LAC. Its aim is to enable the sharing of experiences and different approaches to the crisis.
The situation is continuously changing and actions might vary according to the global evolution.
APC (Honduras)
Operational- The continuity of the service is guaranteed, including tank trucks in those areas not connected or with scarcity problems
- Halting service shutoffs
- Customer service centers locked. Alternative channels offered for the management of commercial transactions: pone, website, social media channels
- Teleworking is implemented in non-technical areas, and cleaning services increase in offices
- Organization of work crews in technical areas, stepping up security and hygienic measures
- Non-essential meetings are suspended and isolation is encouraged
- Circulation of information on self-care, preventive measures, risks and symptoms
- Special attention is given to staff considered to be vulnerable
EAAB (Colombia)
Community- Visits to the plant and cultural activities are cancelled
- Information about the various channels for transactions to customers
- Boost of handwashing and #StayAtHome campaigns, and of other preventive measures through online and social media channels of the operators
AySA (Argentina)
Access the full report here (in Spanish).
