Bolivia: Local authorities continue to enforce varied COVID-19-related restrictions as of mid-January /update 18

Event

Local authorities in Bolivia's major cities continue to enforce stricter restrictions on movements and nonessential activities as of Jan. 19, to curb the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) despite the lifting of most restrictions at the national level. Nationally, all individuals must continue to observe physical distancing of 1.5 meters (5 feet) and wear a facemask in public places. Authorities have also urged the public to avoid mass events.

On Jan. 17, officials announced mandatory protocols for the public and public sectors nationwide which include industry-specific requirements relating to mask-wearing, physical distancing, temperature testing, and sanitization protocols in the construction, food and beverage, manufacturing, and mining sectors and public entities. Adherence to these requirements will be strictly enforced. Outside of these, the government has not implemented any significant restrictions on movements and businesses nationally. Municipal officials, however, are empowered to enforce stricter restrictions on businesses, intercity and interdepartmental travel, general movement, recreational activity, and public gatherings, depending on the local risk level. These measures may include scheduling and capacity limits or restrictions on commercial operating hours or vehicular movements.

Localized Measures
A long-standing curfew remains in effect in La Paz 2200-0500 on weekdays and 2000-0500 on weekends and public holidays. All business operations must end one hour before the curfew takes effect. Bars and nightclubs remain closed and mass events are suspended. Authorities have also applied so-called dynamic quarantine measures in Santa Cruz and Cochabamba until Jan. 20 and Jan. 31 respectively, due to higher confirmed case numbers. In Santa Cruz, a curfew is being enforced 2200-0500 daily; all commercial establishments must close by 2100, the sale and consumption of alcohol are prohibited at food outlets, and activities at mass events, bars, and nightclubs are suspended. In Cochabamba, a curfew is being enforced 2200-0500 Monday-Saturday, with a full lockdown on Sundays. Access to parks, public pools, and cemeteries has also been restricted.

International Travel
Authorities extended the suspension of all passenger flights to and from Europe until Feb. 15. The regional travel ban was initially implemented Dec. 25 in response to the spread of a variant strain of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in the UK. Officials previously stated that repatriation flights will be arranged for Bolivian citizens intending to return from Europe. Returning nationals from Europe must complete a 14-day self-quarantine. All other international travel, however, is continuing subject to the following travel protocols:

Travelers must complete an online entry form prior to travel and must present the form upon arrival.
Travelers must present a negative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test taken no more than 72 hours before travel for persons traveling from border countries, no more than seven days if traveling from South America, Central America, and the Caribbean, and no more than 10 days for persons traveling from North America, Europe (where allowed), Asia, and Oceania.

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

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. 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.