Bolivia: Authorities to suspend all flights to and from Europe Dec. 25-Jan. 8 /update 16

Bolivia to suspend all flights to and from Europe Dec. 25-Jan. 8 due to variant COVID-19 strain. Other travel protocols amended.

Event

Authorities in Bolivia announced the suspension of all passenger flights to and from Europe Dec. 25-Jan. 8, 2021. The regional travel ban was prompted by the spread of a variant strain of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in the UK. Officials have stated that repatriation flights will be arranged for Bolivian citizens intending to return from Europe. All other international travel, however, is continuing. As of Dec. 25, officials are enforcing the following revised travel protocols:

Travelers must complete an online entry form prior to travel and present the form upon arrival.
Travelers must present a negative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test taken no more than 72 hours before travel for persons traveling from border countries, no more than seven days if traveling from South America, Central America, and the Caribbean, and no more than 10 days for persons traveling from North America, Europe (where allowed), Asia and Oceania.

Domestic Measures
Bolivia will remain under the current pandemic-related phase of recovery at least Jan. 15. Under this phase, all commercial, economic, cultural, sports, social, religious, electoral, and recreational activities may continue or resume, if previously restricted, provided required sanitization and other health protocols are implemented. All individuals must continue to observe physical distancing of 1.5 meters (5 feet) and wear a facemask in public places.

Municipal officials are still empowered to enforce stricter restrictions on businesses, intercity and interdepartmental travel, general movement, recreational activity, and public gatherings, depending on the local risk level. These measures may include scheduling and capacity limits or restrictions on commercial operating hours or vehicular movements.

Localized Movement Restrictions
Some municipalities continue to enforce stricter movement restrictions despite the easing of measures at the national level. As of Dec. 25, a curfew remains in effect in La Paz 2200-0500 on weekdays and 2000-0500 on weekends and public holidays. All business operations must end one hour before the curfew takes effect. In Santa Cruz, similar movement restrictions are being enforced 0100-0500 daily until further notice while, movement restrictions in Cochabamba will be enforced 0500-2300 Monday-Saturday, and 0500-1800 on Sundays.

Authorities could reimpose, extend, further ease, or otherwise amend any restrictions with little-to-no notice depending on disease activity over the coming weeks.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all travel arrangements. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions.

Emphasize basic health precautions, especially frequent handwashing with soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are unavailable. Practice good coughing/sneezing etiquette (i.e., covering coughs and sneezes with a disposable tissue, maintaining distance from others, and washing hands). There is no evidence that the influenza vaccine, antibiotics, or antiviral medications will prevent this disease, highlighting the importance of diligent basic health precautions.