Chile: Government tightens COVID-19 restrictions on June 17 /update 18

Event

On Wednesday, June 17, the Chilean government tightened the current restrictions in place to limit the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). In Santiago, a total lockdown was announced, with residents only permitted to leave their homes twice a week. In addition, the communes of San Felipe and Los Andes in Valparaíso, Rancagua and Machali in O'Higgins, and Curico in Maule, have been quarantined. Iquique, Alto Hospicio, Pozo Almonte, Calama, Valparaíso, Viña del Mar, and San Antonio will have their total quarantine extended.

Under the quarantine measures, members of the public may only leave their homes to access basic or essential services, including medical, or to access public services. Those doing so must have a permit. Further details of the measures in place can be found here.

The country's borders remain closed to foreign travelers until further notice. The restrictions do not apply to Chilean nationals, and citizens and permanent residents are also still permitted to enter the country. The closure also does not apply to cargo and associated personnel.

As of Wednesday, June 17, there have been 220,628 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Chile and 3615 associated fatalities. Further international spread of the virus is expected over the near term.

Advice

Measures adopted by local authorities evolve quickly, and are usually effective immediately. Depending on the evolution of the outbreak in other countries, authorities are likely to modify, at very short notice, the list of countries whose travelers are subject to border control measures or entry restrictions upon their arrival to the territory in question. It is advised to postpone nonessential travel due to the risk that travelers may be refused entry or be subject to quarantine upon their arrival or during their stay.

To reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission, travelers are advised to abide by the following measures:

• Frequently clean hands by applying an alcohol-based hand rub or washing with soap and water.
• When coughing and sneezing, cover mouth and nose with a flexed elbow or tissue; if used, throw the tissue away immediately and wash hands.
• If experiencing a fever, cough, difficulty breathing, or any other symptoms suggestive of respiratory illness, including pneumonia, call emergency services before going to the doctor or hospital to prevent the potential spread of the disease.