Uruguay: Authorities tighten COVID-19 restrictions on indoor sports and some businesses operations through December 18 /update 8

Uruguay tightens COVID-19-related restrictions on sports and some businesses through Dec. 18. Borders remain closed to leisure travel.

Event

Authorities in Uruguay have announced new restrictions on indoor sports and some business operations until at least Dec. 18, as part of efforts to curb the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) during the holiday period. Under new directives, all indoor sports are suspended, telework has been mandated at all public offices, and restaurants, bars, and similar establishments are required to close by 2359 daily.

All establishments must continue to adhere to strict physical distancing and sanitization requirements. The government continues to urge the public to maintain social distancing, wear a facemask in public places, and avoid large gatherings.

International Travel Restrictions
Officials are likely to maintain entry restrictions for most nonresident foreign travelers through December. President Luis Lacalle Pou previously stated that the current restrictions are likely to continue through the summer tourism period (December-March), though with potentially some exceptions to the travel ban at some stage; however, these have not yet been announced.

Currently, only the temporary entry of certain foreign nationals is permitted subject to prior approval, for family reunification or labor, economic, business, and judicial purposes. Aircraft and ship crews may also enter. Brazilian nationals residing at the border who are permitted entry are required to remain in the border cities in which they arrive. Limited flights between Uruguay and Spain resumed and in August. Cargo transport and humanitarian and repatriation flights are continuing normally.

All arriving passengers must present a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of arrival. All persons entering the country must complete a seven-day self-quarantine. If the traveler is staying in the country for more than seven days, the traveler will be required to take another COVID-19 test on the seventh day or to complete an additional seven days of self-quarantine.

Authorities could reimpose, extend, further ease, or otherwise amend any restrictions with little-to-no notice depending on local disease activity. Highly targeted localized measures could be enforced in some areas assessed to be high-risk, particularly in border areas such as Rivera.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all travel arrangements. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance. 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.