Colombia: Variant strain of COVID-19 prompts authorities to suspend all flights to and from the UK /update 22

Event

Authorities in Colombia have announced the suspension of all international flights to and from the UK effective Dec. 21, due to the spread of a variant strain of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in the UK. Foreign nationals traveling from the UK may not enter the country except those who departed for Colombia prior to Dec. 21. As of Dec. 21, all Colombian citizens, residents, and other authorized travelers who have been in or traveled to the UK in the last 14 days, and those who entered Colombia from the UK since Dec. 12 are required to quarantine for 14 days. Travelers who arrived from the UK between Dec. 5-11 will be monitored for symptoms.

Approved international commercial passenger flights from elsewhere are continuing at Colombia's main airports, including from Bolivia, Brazil, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Guatemala, Mexico, Curacao, Panama, and the US. 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 river borders remain closed except for cargo and humanitarian aid until at least Jan. 16.

Domestic Measures
Authorities are maintaining existing nationwide COVID-19-related restrictions until at least Feb. 18, while some cities and regions will enforce additional stricter movement restrictions over the end of the year holiday period. Under the nationwide directives, only people who present COVID-19 symptoms are required to remain quarantined 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.

Officials in several cities, municipalities, and departments have announced additional movement restrictions, including curfews, through at least mid-January 2021. Some of these restrictions include, but are not limited to:

• Atlantico Department: In Barranquilla, a curfew will be enforced 2300-0600 Dec. 24-25 and Jan. 1-2. On Dec. 24 and 25 the curfew will go from 11:00 pm to 6:00 am. The same curfew will be enforced in the municipalities of Soledad, Malambo, Puerto Colombia, and Gapala Dec. 24-26.

• Bogota: Effective Dec. 21, individuals may only attend to the acquisition and payment of goods and services according to the last number of the individual's document. Persons with ID numbers ending in 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9 are permitted on odd-numbered days, while ID numbers ending in 0, 2, 4, 6, and 8 are permitted on even-numbered days. The measure will last until Jan. 15.

• Bucaramanga: A 2300-1300 curfew will be enforced Dec. 24-25 and Dec. 31-Jan. 1. The nightly 2300-0400 curfew will continue until Jan. 16 on all other days.

• Cali: A 2300-0500 curfew is in place until Dec. 23. Additionally, Dec. 21 and 23, individuals whose ID numbers end in odd numbers may visit shopping centers, supermarkets, banks, and notaries, while those with ID numbers ending in even numbers may visit Dec. 22

• Cartagena: A 2100-0500 curfew will be in effect in the Blas de Lezo, San Fernando, Manga, El Pozon, Los Alpes, Olaya, Ternera, Las Gaviotas, Nuevo Bosque, Zaragocilla and El Campestre neighborhoods Dec. 24-25 and Dec. 31-Jan. 1.

• Manizales: A 0100-1000 curfew will be enforced Dec. 25 and Jan. 1.

• Medellin: A curfew will be enforced 0001-0600 on Dec. 24-26, and Dec. 31-Jan. 2.

• Meta Department: A 2300-1300 curfew will be enforced Dec. 24-25 and Dec. 31-Jan. 1. The existing 2300-0400 curfew will be enforced on all other days until Jan. 16.

• Norte de Santander Department: A total curfew will be in effect Dec. 25-27 and Dec. 31-Jan. 3.

• Santa Marta: A nightly 0001-0400 curfew will be enforced until Jan. 16.

Authorities could further tighten, reimpose, extend, 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)