June 19, 2021 adminast issuer central, central american issues, central issue facility
ast issuer central, central american issues, central issue facility
How to avoid a repeat of Central America's economic meltdown
The crisis gripping Central America has now hit a critical mass, with more than 1.8 million people dead and millions more displaced.
The US has declared the region its most dangerous region for US troops and has deployed tens of thousands of troops to its border with Colombia.
But the fallout from the conflict is also spreading across the globe, including in the Americas, where some 1.3 million people are refugees.
With the global crisis unfolding, the US Congress has already taken steps to protect the lives of millions.
With US President Donald Trump set to visit Honduras on Monday, the country's government is also considering sending a representative to Washington for talks.
But with a record $2.3bn in US aid going to the region in the last four years, it is unlikely that such a trip would occur.
How do I protect my life and loved ones?
If you or a loved one are in the US, you need to take steps to keep them safe.
This includes wearing full face coverings and making sure they can contact family, friends and neighbours.
"The United States is at war and it is time to make sure that our people are protected," Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said at a press conference in Washington on Friday.
But if you live in Latin America, or if you have family in the region, you can do more.
"You need to make your home safe," says Michael O'Hanlon, a researcher at the Center for International Policy.
"If you're going to be a victim, you have to be able to communicate that.
If you can't do that, then you need help."
And don't let them touch you.
"Even if you don't have the luxury of taking out a cell phone or looking for a shelter, if you are in a vulnerable position, you should take these precautions to protect yourself and others," says O'Halllon.
"It's very important that you not be in a position where someone has the right to physically touch you."
The US military, meanwhile, has deployed a small number of soldiers to Honduras to help secure key installations.
"We are providing an additional 200 personnel to Honduras," said Colonel Eric Gee, a spokesman for US Forces-Honduras.
"Honduran security forces are deploying to a number of US-designated installations in Honduras to assist with the safekeeping of military equipment and personnel."
The number of personnel is down from a peak of around 4,000 last month.
The Pentagon also has stepped up its efforts to ensure that those who were in the area are safe.
"Our mission is to protect those who are in our area of responsibility," said Gee.
"And in this case, we are providing additional assistance to our counterparts in Honduras."
The situation is so dire that some experts have warned that the crisis could trigger a new pandemic.
"This is the most dangerous humanitarian situation we've seen in Latin American history," says William Schabas, a professor of social and international security at New York University.
"In terms of the death toll, the situation is extremely grave and the number of deaths will be extremely high."
What should I do if I live in the Central American region?
In the region's biggest cities, like Tegucigalpa, Guatemala City and La Paz, the number one concern is that the virus could spread quickly through the population.
"There are a lot of questions that are being asked and answered," says Dr Miguel Torres, a specialist in infectious diseases at the Central University of Honduras.
"What are the best ways to prevent transmission?"
First, you must protect yourself from the virus.
"All you have is one vaccination," says Torres.
"When you get your first vaccination, you are given a little piece of paper, and then a bottle of medicine, and a piece of cotton to wear around your neck."
"You wear it around your body to make it easier to collect the virus," he adds.
"Then, you wash it in a cup or can and then you put it in your pocket, in your purse or your bag."
Then, you put on a mask.
"Next you go to the hospital, and you wash your face," Torres says.
"But you must wash it out as well."
"And finally, you go outside," he says.
You can take this with you wherever you go.
"So, as a precaution, you cannot go to a restaurant where you may get infected," Torres adds.
And don,t go to places where the virus is likely to spread.
"As soon as you go into a restaurant, the virus cannot be transmitted.
And if you go somewhere where there is likely a high likelihood of transmission, you shouldn't go there," he notes.
But don't be too paranoid.
If there are people in your immediate neighbourhood who are showing symptoms, it may be easier to quarantine them.
"For instance, if a family member shows signs of infection,
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