With Latin America emerging as a new epicenter, Venezuelan refugees and migrants are in need of additional support. On 26 May, the International Donors Conference in Solidarity with Venezuelan Refugees and Migrants raised some USD 2.79 billion for host states and organisations helping the Venezuelans.

The number of COVID-19 cases in Bangladesh has more than doubled over the past two weeks to over 35,000. There are now 25 confirmed cases among refugees in Kutupalong camp. To respond, UNHCR opened two isolation and treatment facilities last week with a total of 200 beds. The total capacity provided by humanitarian actors will reach 1,100 beds by mid-June.

The number of reported COVID-19 cases has risen to over 5.4 million worldwide, with over 340,000 deaths. The spread of COVID-19 is increasing rapidly in Africa, with the majority of countries experiencing community transmission.

UNHCR and WHO signed a new agreement to strengthen and advance public health services for the millions of forcibly displaced people around the world.

UNHCR is warning that many displaced indigenous communities in Latin America are now dangerously exposed and at risk of COVID-19.

UNHCR and partner organizations have further intensified their COVID-19 response in the Rohingya refugee camps in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh, following the first confirmed case of coronavirus among the refugee population.

Echoing the UN-wide call for action on 13 May, UNHCR continues to appeal for urgent support to ensure the availability and continuation of mental health and psychosocial services for refugees and those displaced. These services must be considered “essential” services and form part of national responses to COVID-19. [Source: UNHCR Global COVID-19 Situation Report]

UNHCR procured and delivered more than 6.4 million face masks, 850,000 gowns, 3,600 oxygen concentrators, 640 ventilators, over 1,650 housing units and 50 hospital tents to field operations. In addition, six tonnes of personal protection equipment (PPE) and medical supplies have been airlifted and USD 30 million in COVID-19 related cash assistance has been distributed in 65 countries. [Source: UNHCR Global COVID-19 Situation Report]

As of 10 May, over 3.8 million COVID-19 cases have been confirmed, with the United States and European countries most affected. Several country operations have reported cases of COVID-19 among persons of concern, but so far, the number of cases remains low with no reported sustained transmission in high-density refugee or internally displaced areas.

On 11 May, UNHCR launched the revised UNHCR Coronavirus emergency appeal, seeking a total amount of USD 745 million to boost preparedness, prevention and response activities to address the immediate public health needs of refugees, IDPs and host communities prompted by the spread of COVID-19.