Honduras: Officials to lift COVID-19-related business and movement restrictions Dec. 24-25, and 31 and Jan. 1, 2021 /update 32

Officials in Honduras to maintain existing COVID-19-related 2200-0500 restrictions; measure to be lifted Dec. 24-25, 31 and Jan. 1, 2021.

Event

Authorities in Honduras announced that the existing coronavirus disease (COVID-19)-related restrictions, which limit all movements and business operations nationwide to 0500-2200, will remain in effect until further notice except on Dec. 24-25 and 31, and Jan. 1, 2021. The restrictions will be lifted on those days to allow freer movements over the holiday period. Officials also emphasized that private home gatherings are restricted to no more than 10 people; all public events are banned. Bars, nightclubs, and social lounges are required to stay closed.

Officials will strictly enforce health and sanitization protocols at commercial establishments over the holiday period. Previously, authorized businesses were ordered to ensure that customers have covered their mouths and noses, use hand sanitizer, and practice social distancing. All persons are required to wear protective facemasks in public. Several establishments that encourage large-group gatherings also remain closed.

Operating capacity limits for businesses are likely to remain in place indefinitely. In September, most of the country, including the major urban centers of Tegucigalpa and San Pedro Sula, entered Phase 2 of the country's reopening plan, allowing businesses to operate at 40-, 60-, or 80-percent capacity depending on the region in which they are located. Some localized areas remained under Phase 1 which permits businesses to operate at 20-percent capacity only; however, as of Dec. 21, officials have not announced any changes to the capacity limits enforced in those areas and it is unclear whether the stricter measures are still being followed.

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. 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.