Peru: Health officials modify COVID-19-related measures, adding increased movement restrictions. Nationwide 0001-0400 curfew remains in effect /update 21

Event

Authorities in Peru have modified the movement restrictions imposed as part of the country's efforts to combat the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19). As part of the modified restrictions, all private vehicles will be banned from the streets nationwide Dec. 24, 25, 31, and Jan. 1.

Additionally, authorities have suspended all passenger flights arriving from Europe until at least Jan. 4. All nonresident foreigners who have been in the UK within 14 days are likewise prohibited from entering Peru until at least Jan. 4.

A nationwide 0001-0400 curfew remains in effect. Food delivery personnel and those engaged in the transport of cargo are exempt from the curfew, as are essential workers providing health, financial, sanitation, or telecommunications services. Nonexempt individuals outside their homes during curfew hours may be subject to questioning and arrest by police or military personnel.

All gatherings, including parties and social gatherings within private homes, are prohibited. Religious services are exempt but are limited to one-third of the normal maximum capacity of the house of worship. While beaches may reopen, they are subject to closures on certain days of the week depending on their locations.

All businesses must adhere to government directives, such as enforcing social-distancing guidelines, implementing enhanced sanitary procedures, and limiting operating capacity.

Residents over the age of 65 or individuals who have preexisting medical conditions or potentially dangerous comorbidities are required to stay in their homes. Exceptions only apply when such persons are experiencing medical emergencies or require food, medicine, or financial services and have no one who can acquire such goods and services on their behalf. Minors must also remain in their residences; they may, however, leave for no more than 30 minutes daily but may venture no further than 500 meters from their homes. Whenever they are in public, minors must be accompanied by an adult who lives with them.

Officials require all persons to wear a face shield that covers their eyes, nose, and mouth, and a mask that covers the nose and mouth whenever they are using public transportation or flying in an aircraft. All persons must also wash their hands with soap or rub disinfectant on their hands for at least 20 seconds before boarding any aircraft or public transport vehicle. Temperature checks are also mandatory, and no person with a temperature above 38 degrees Celsius (100.4 degrees Fahrenheit) may board any public transport vehicle or enter any airport or bus station. Travelers are also required to sign an affidavit attesting to their health. Persons younger than 14 or older than 65 must sign an additional statement swearing that they are abiding by the national quarantine measures.

Significant transport and business disruptions are ongoing. Authorities have deployed additional security personnel to assist in enforcing the measures that are in place.

Authorities could tighten, extend, ease, or otherwise amend any restrictions with little-to-no notice depending on disease activity over the coming weeks.

Context

Peru's preventive measures are similar to actions other governments are taking globally in response to the spread of COVID-19. COVID-19 is a viral respiratory disease caused by infection with the SARS-CoV-2 virus (previously known as 2019-nCoV). Symptoms occur 1-14 days following exposure (average of 3-7 days). These symptoms include fever, fatigue, cough, difficulty breathing, sometimes worsening to pneumonia and kidney failure - especially in those with underlying medical conditions. On March 11, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak a pandemic.

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 non-emergency health appointments. Plan for queues and delays at available shopping centers. Plan for possible ground shipping and travel delays; seek alternative routes and shipping methods for time-sensitive cargo.

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

State of Emergency Extension