Chile: Officials impose further restrictions on persons who have been in the UK as of Dec. 22 /update 58

Event

Health officials in Chile announced additional restrictions on travelers who have recently been in the UK in response to a new strain of coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Under the new regulations, all persons entering Chile who have been in the UK within the past 14 days must quarantine or self-isolate for 14 days. Direct passenger flights to and from the UK have additionally been suspended by Chilean authorities.

Domestic measures to stem the spread of COVID-19 remain in effect and vary by location and intensity based on local disease activity. A multiphase quarantine system remains in place. In areas under Phase-1 quarantines, all individuals must remain in their homes every day unless they possess a safe-conduct pass. For those under Phase-2 quarantines, individuals must stay in their homes during weekends and holidays unless they have a safe-conduct pass. Some locations have advanced to Phase 3 or 4 with no quarantine mandates; in these areas, authorities continue to enforce nationwide restrictions and orders such as capacity limits in businesses and school closures. Persons in areas under Phase-1 and Phase-2 quarantine orders cannot travel to other regions in the country. Those in areas not under quarantine orders may not enter areas that are subject to quarantines.

Nationwide
The nightly 0001-0500 curfew remains in effect; however, curfew hours will be indefinitely broadened to 2200-0500 starting Dec. 26. Residents must remain in their homes during curfew hours. All persons over the age of 75 must stay in their homes; exceptions are in place for limited outings and depending on COVID-19 activity levels in the area. Events with more than 50 people remain prohibited. Nonessential businesses, including theaters, bars, and public gymnasiums, are closed until further notice. Restaurants may only operate for delivery or carryout services; seated dining remains banned.

Those traveling to the country must fill out a health questionnaire before departure. Nonresident foreigners must present negative results from a COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test taken no more than 72 hours before departure and purchase a health insurance policy that will cover at least USD 30,000 of COVID-19-related medical costs in Chile.

Chilean citizens and residents may enter without taking a PCR test but must quarantine for 14 days if they do so. All persons must fill out a form reporting on their health daily for their first 14 days in Chile. Until further notice, Arturo Merino Benitez International Airport (SCL) in Santiago will be the only airport accepting foreign nationals arriving from abroad.

All persons who have been in the UK within 14 days must quarantine for 14 days, even if they comply with all other travel requirements. Chile has suspended direct passenger flights to and from the UK.

Individuals diagnosed with COVID-19 must quarantine for 14 days or until they no longer present symptoms, whichever is longer. Anyone who has had at least 15 minutes of face-to-face contact or prolonged exposure (two or more hours in a shared home, hotel, or office) with a person confirmed to have COVID-19 must quarantine for at least 14 days.

All persons must wear facemasks while in public, including parks, mass transit vehicles, and elevators. Health officials recommend medical-grade masks, but improvised or homemade coverings are permitted as long as they cover both the nose and mouth.

All persons must adhere to social distancing standards by keeping at least one meter (three feet) away from others. Exceptions are in place for individuals sharing vehicles and residences or engaged in work or other activities where maintaining such a distance is impossible.

Santiago Metropolitan Region
The entire Metropolitan Region is under a Phase-2 quarantine.

Araucania Region
The boroughs of Angol, Cholchol, Curarrehue, Lautaro, and Los Sauces are under a Phase-1 quarantine.

The boroughs of Freire, Galvarino, Lumaco, Padre Las Casas, Perquenco, Renaico, Temuco, and Vilcun are under a Phase-2 quarantine.

Bio-Bio Region
The boroughs of Arauco, Canete, Curanilahue, and Los Angeles are under a Phase-1 quarantine.

The boroughs of Cabrero, Chiguayante, Concepcion, Florida, Hualpen, Hualqui, Laja, Lebu, Nacimiento, Negrete, Penco, San Pedro de la Paz, Talcahuano, Tirua, Tome, and Yumbel are under Phase-2 quarantines.

The boroughs of Concepcion, Coronel, Chiguayante, Hualpen, Hualqui, Lota, Penco, San Pedro de la Paz, Talcahuano, and Tome are under an expanded curfew requiring residents to remain at home 2000-0500 nightly.

Coquimbo Region
The borough of Ovalle is under a Phase-2 quarantine.

Los Lagos Region
The boroughs of Calbuco is under a Phase-1 quarantine, as are the urban areas of Maullin.

The boroughs of Ancud, Chonchi, Dalcahue, Los Muermos, Osorno, Puerto Montt, Puerto Varas, Queilen, Quemchi, and San Juan de la Costa are under a Phase-2 quarantine, as are the rural areas of Maullin and the urban areas of Purranque and Quinchao.

Chiloe Province remains cordoned off, with no one being allowed to enter or leave except for persons in possession of a safe-conduct pass.

Osorno and Puerto Montt are under an expanded curfew requiring residents to remain at home 2200-0500 nightly.

Persons entering or exiting the region must undergo health screening and present an affidavit attesting to their health and travel history at established checkpoints.

Persons entering Chiloe Island from any point of departure, or entering or exiting Ancud, must undergo health screening and present an affidavit detailing their health and travel history.

Public transportation throughout the region may only operate at 50-percent capacity; the number of passengers allowed in taxis remains restricted.

Los Rios Region
The boroughs of Paillaco, Rio Bueno, and Valdivia are under a Phase-1 quarantine.

The boroughs of Lanco, La Union, Los Lagos, and Mariquina are under a Phase-2 quarantine.

Magallanes Region
The boroughs of Natales and Puerto Williams are under a Phase-1 quarantine.

The boroughs of Porvenir and Punta Arenas are under a Phase-2 quarantine.

The urban area of Punta Arenas remains cordoned off, with no one being allowed to enter or leave, except for persons in possession of a safe-conduct pass.

The city of Puerto Williams remains cordoned off, with no one being allowed to enter or leave, except for persons in possession of a safe-conduct pass.

Persons entering the region must undergo health screening and present an affidavit detailing their health and travel history at established checkpoints throughout the Strait of Magellan area.

Maule Region
The boroughs of Curico, Romeral, San Javier, and Teno are under a Phase-2 quarantine.

Nuble Region
The urban areas of Chillan and Chillan Viejo are under a Phase-2 quarantine.

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. Consider delaying traveling if experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19, as they may prompt increased scrutiny and delays. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions. Reconsider and reconfirm nonemergency health appointments. Plan for queues and delays at available shopping centers.

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.

Resources

World Health Organization (WHO)
Resolutions on COVID-19 Measures
Required Travel Documents
Information on the Phased Restriction System