On 22 May 2020, citing the rapid increase of infections in Brazil, the World Health Organization declared South America the epicentre of the pandemic.

[41][42] The lockdown was lifted throughout all the country, excepting the Greater Buenos Aires urban area (where 31.9% of the country's population live),[43] on 10 May, with Greater Buenos Aires locked down until 17 July, where the lockdown was due to be gradually loosened in several stages to lead to the return to normality;[44] restrictions were extended several times until 8 November 2020.

[60][61][62] The COVID-19 pandemic has triggered a variety of responses from federal, state and local governments, having an impact on politics, education, the environment,[63] and the economy.

On 27 March 2020 Brazil announced a temporary ban on foreign air travelers[64] and most state governors have imposed quarantines to prevent the spread of the virus.

[65] President Jair Bolsonaro perpetuated conspiracy theories surrounding COVID-19 treatments[66] and its origins,[67] and was accused of downplaying effective mitigations and pursuing a strategy of herd immunity.

[68] In October 2021, a congressional panel recommended criminal charges against the president for his handling of the pandemic, including crimes against humanity.

No national lockdown was established in Chile, unlike in neighboring Argentina and Peru, although a night curfew was implemented throughout the country.

[71][72] By June 2020, the government confirmed thousands of additional deaths due to COVID-19, including suspected cases where PCR tests were not available.

This fast response was due to signing contracts with multiple providers, a strong public immunization program, and little anti-vaccine sentiment.

[79] Despite the success of the vaccination program the number of cases increased, which has been attributed to early relaxation of restrictions and a false sense of security.

[94][non-primary source needed] The patient, a woman in her 70s, Ecuadorian citizen who resides in Spain, had arrived to Guayaquil on 14 February.

[3] The Guayas Province was particularly strongly affected, with thousand of excess deaths reported compared to the figure for a normal period.

[125] Diosdado Cabello, vice-president of the United Socialist Party of Venezuela and president of the pro-government Constituent National Assembly announced he tested positive for COVID-19 on 9 July.

[126] Tareck El Aissami, the Minister of Petroleum and Omar Prieto, the Governor of Zulia also tested positive on 10 July.

[127] A member of the 2017 National Constituent Assembly and the Governor of the Capital District, Darío Vivas tested positive for COVID-19 on 19 July.

[128] Venezuela is particularly vulnerable to the wider effects of the pandemic because of its ongoing socioeconomic and political crisis causing massive shortages of food staples and basic necessities, including medical supplies.