The government's swift response has kept the toll of infections and death relatively low compared to other Latin American nations like Brazil, Chile, Ecuador, Mexico and Peru. Mr Duque, who has seen his popularity climb, talks to the FT about reopening what was Latin America's fastest-growing economy and relations with Venezuela.

Vladimir Putin claims Russia has covid-19 “under total control”, but whistleblowers say the official figures are fabricated. As well as leading to many more deaths, this could dent Mr Putin’s popularity for years to come.