Peru: Government permits resumption of domestic flights from July 15 /update 21

Event

The Peruvian government has announced that domestic flights will be permitted to resume from Wednesday, July 15, following a suspension due to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. International flights remain suspended, and Peru's borders are closed for all but essential traffic.

Peruvian authorities eased lockdown restrictions in most of the country on July 1, including in Lima. However, the nationwide state of emergency was extended until July 31 and a nighttime curfew remains in effect between 22:00 and 04:00 (local time). Those under 14, over 65, and with underlying health conditions are subject to further movement restrictions. The regions of Arequipa, Ica, Junin, Huanuco, San Martin, Madre de Dios, and Ancash have an extended curfew between 20:00 and 04:00. Facemasks are mandatory in public nationwide.

As of Thursday, July 9, there have been 312,911 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Peru, with 11,133 associated fatalities. Further international spread of the virus is expected in the near term.

Context

The first case of COVID-19 was reported on December 31 and the source of the outbreak has been linked to a wet market in Wuhan (Hubei province, China). Human-to-human and patient-to-medical staff transmission of the virus have been confirmed. Many of the associated fatalities have been due to pneumonia caused by the virus.

Cases of the virus have been confirmed in numerous countries and territories worldwide. Virus-screening and quarantining measures are being implemented at airports worldwide, as well as extensive travel restrictions. On March 11, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared COVID-19 a pandemic.

Pneumonia symptoms include dry cough, chest pain, fever, and labored breathing. Pneumonia can be contagious and can be transmitted from human to human. The influenza virus, or the flu, is a common cause of viral pneumonia.

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.