Colombia: Authorities extend localized COVID-19 quarantine measures in Bogota through Feb. 12 /update 26

Authorities in Colombia impose localized COVID-19 quarantines in Bogota and elsewhere as of Jan. 31; other restrictions remain in place.

Event

Authorities have imposed strict quarantine measures in several districts of Bogota, as of Jan. 31, to curb high coronavirus disease (COVID-19) infection rates. Suba, Engativa, Fontibon, Kennedy, and Usaquen districts remain wholly or partially under strict quarantine until at least 2359 Feb. 12. Under the quarantine, individuals may only leave their homes to purchase food, medicine, and other essential goods. The city's curfew is in effect 2200-0400.

ID-based restrictions will also continue indefinitely; individuals may only attend to the acquisition and payment of goods and services according to the last number of the individual's document. Persons with ID numbers ending in 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9 are permitted on odd-numbered days, while ID numbers ending in 0, 2, 4, 6, and 8 are permitted on even-numbered days.

Officials in cities, municipalities, and departments are empowered to enforce stricter business and movement restrictions, depending on local disease activity. Localized curfew measures could sporadically be enforced in other major cities and departments.

Authorities previously extended travel and business restrictions imposed to curb the spread of COVID-19, through at least Feb. 28. Mass gatherings remain prohibited, nightclubs must remain closed, and consumption of alcohol outside of private households remains banned. Gatherings of more than 50 people are banned. Some businesses are allowed to open with capacity limits imposed by regional or local authorities. Employees must work from home, as long as their physical presence is not fundamental for the operation of a business. Individuals must continue to wear facemasks in public spaces and adhere to physical-distancing and sanitization protocols.

International Travel
Authorities have reintroduced testing requirements for all international arrivals. All travelers must present proof of a negative COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test taken no more than 96 hours before departure. Persons without a test may be permitted entry but will be subject to testing upon arrival and quarantine until they obtain the results. All travelers need to complete the "Check-Mig" online form between 24 hours and one hour before departure and must comply with regulations associated with contact-tracing upon arrival. Travelers with COVID-19 symptoms will not be allowed to enter the country.

Approved international commercial passenger flights are continuing at Colombia's main airports, including from Bolivia, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Guatemala, Mexico, Curacao, Panama, and the US. All international flights with Brazil have been suspended until at least Feb. 26 due to the discovery of a variant strain of COVID-19 in that country; cargo flights are permitted. International flights with the UK have been restricted since Dec. 21 due to the spread of a variant strain of COVID-19 in that country. It is unclear when the restrictions will be lifted. Only Colombian citizens, residents, and other authorized travelers who have been in or traveled to the UK within 14 days before arrival are permitted entry subject to a 14-day mandatory quarantine. Colombia's land and river borders remain closed, except for cargo and humanitarian aid, until at least March 1.

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

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Reconfirm all travel arrangements. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions.