Honduras: Health officials are likely to maintain current COVID-19-related restrictions through at least late December. /update 31

Officials in Honduras will likely maintain existing coronavirus disease-related restrictions through at least late December.

Event

As of Dec. 7, authorities in Honduras will likely continue to limit all movements and business operations nationwide to 0500-2200, as part of the nation's coronavirus disease (COVID-19) response plan, through at least early December. As of Dec. 7, officials have not announced any changes to the capacity limits on businesses, as part of the nation's Intelligent Reopening strategy. The following municipalities were previously classified under Phase 1, which permits businesses to operate at 20-percent capacity:

Choluteca Department: Orocuina, Pespire, San Antonio de Flores
Colon Department: Bonito Oriental, Saba, Tocoa, Trujillo
Cortes Department: Pimienta, Potrerillos
El Paraiso Department: Danli, Moroceli
Francisco Morazan Department: Reitoca, San Buenaventura, Santa Lucia
Gracias a Dios Department: Brus Laguna, Puerto Lempira
Intibuca Department: Intibuca, La Esperanza
La Paz Department: La Paz, San Jose, Santa Maria
Ocotepeque Department: Ocotepeque, Sinuapa
Olancho Department: Juticalpa
Santa Barbara Department: Las Vegas, Trinidad
Valle Department: Amapala, Langue, Nacaome, San Francisco de Coray, San Lorenzo

The rest of the country is under Phase 2 of reopening. Under this phase, businesses may operate at 40-, 60-, or 80-percent capacity, depending on the region in which they are located. Some of the country's major urban centers, such as Tegucigalpa and San Pedro Sula, fall under the region that only permits businesses to operate at 40-percent capacity.

All persons are required to wear protective facemasks in public. Officials have ordered authorized businesses to ensure that customers have covered their mouths and noses, use hand sanitizer, practice social distancing, and do not have a fever. National police will continue to enforce the movement restrictions. Some establishments, facilities, and activities remain suspended or closed nationwide, including bars, discos, cinemas, gyms, theaters, sports events, convention centers, and educational centers. There is also a ban on private gatherings of more than 10 people.

International Travel
Authorities reopened the country's airports and land border crossings to international travel following an extended closure but are enforcing enhanced entry requirements for all travelers. All travelers must present a negative result from a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) COVID-19 test taken no more than 72 hours before departure for Honduras and a completed pre-arrival (prechequeo) travel form. International public land transport services such as buses resumed Oct. 26. Passengers departing via the land borders are also required to complete the online prechequeo form. Travelers may be subjected to additional COVID-19 testing upon arrival. The use of a facemask is required at all times while traveling.

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

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. 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.