Support for Colombia's Duque rises amid strict coronavirus measures

Support for Colombian President Iván Duque (pictured) has risen in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak, according to a new poll. 

Duque has imposed some of the strictest measures by a Latin American leader to contain the spread of the virus, including a 30-day ban on all incoming international flights and a nationwide lockdown until at least April 13.

The Datexco survey showed the percentage of voters with a "favorable image" of Duque rose to 32% from 30% in December, when his popularity sank after signing off on a controversial tax reform bill. 

In the latest poll – carried out from March 9 to 15 – 16% of respondents said they were in favor of Duque's handling of health matters, up from 14% previously. 

The public perception of Duque also improved in other areas, such as the government's fight against drug trafficking. Support for his coca crop fumigation program jumped to 48% from 40% in December. 

Bogotá mayor Claudia López saw her approval rating hit 71% while support for her Medellín counterpart, Daniel Quintero, was at 58%. Both leaders imposed curfews on their respective cities before Duque decreed a national lockdown, beginning on Tuesday (March 24).

Colombia had 277 reported cases of coronavirus, three of which were fatal, the health ministry said on Monday afternoon.