Colombia: Authorities to enforce curfews on holidays in December in multiple cities, due to COVID-19; international travel restrictions remain /update 21

Event

Authorities are maintaining current coronavirus disease (COVID-19)-related restrictions until at least Feb. 18, while authorities in several cities have issued additional orders to impose nightly curfews. The action is part of the country's effort to try to curb the spread of COVID-19, as more people are likely to gather in larger groups on those holiday dates. Officials will enforce curfews in the following locations:

Department of Santander: 2300-1300 curfew in place Dec. 7, 24, and 31 and nightly 2000-0500 curfew in place Dec. 15-24.
Santa Marta: Nightly curfew in effect 0000-0400 Dec. 3-Jan. 16.
Parts of Cartagena: Nightly 2100-0500 curfew in effect Dec. 7, 24 and 31 in Blas de Lezo, San Fernando, Manga, El Pozon, Los Alpes, Olaya, Ternera, Las Gaviotas, Nuevo Bosque, and Zaragocilla y El Campestre.

Under the current nationwide directives, only people who present COVID-19 symptoms are required to self-quarantine at home for at least 14 days. All other individuals must continue to wear facemasks in public spaces and adhere to physical distancing and sanitization protocols. All open establishments must continue to follow strict safety and sanitation guidelines. The following restrictions remain in place nationwide:

• Restaurants may operate with a 50-person capacity limit. No alcohol may be served.

• Entertainment establishments, including cinemas, theaters, bars, and casinos, are allowed to open. No alcohol may be served. Nightclubs remain closed.

• Spas and sporting facilities, such as gymnasiums and swimming pools, are open, with a maximum capacity of 50 people. Sporting events are prohibited.

• Religious services may take place in certain municipalities but may have no more than 50 people in attendance.

In addition to the overall nationwide measures, municipal officials have the authority to suspend certain activities or enforce tighter movement restrictions, depending on local disease activity.

Travel Restrictions
Under the current guidelines, travelers from several countries, including Bolivia, Brazil, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Guatemala, Mexico, Curacao, Panama, and the US are allowed to enter Colombia through 16 airports nationwide. While travelers are no longer required to present a negative COVID-19 test, they will need to complete the "Check-Mig" online form between 24 hours and one hour before departure. All travelers are required to comply with regulations associated with contact tracing upon arrival. The availability of flights depends on the discretion of international airlines to resume flights on the approved routes. Travelers with COVID-19 symptoms will not be allowed to enter the country. Colombia's land and maritime borders remain closed except for cargo and humanitarian aid until at least Jan. 16.

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. Reconfirm all travel arrangements. 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.

Resources

World Health Organization (WHO)
Office of the President (Spanish)
Government COVID-19 Updates (Spanish)
Check-Mig Online Form (Spanish)