Ecuador: Local governments continue restrictions as of Jan. 8 despite lifting of COVID-19-related State of Exception /update 18

Ecuador lifts nationwide curfew, but localized COVID-19 restrictions are still in place as of Jan. 8. Land, sea borders remain closed.

Event

As of Jan. 8, local authorities in Ecuador are continuing to enforce movement restrictions related to curbing the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) despite the lifting of the pandemic-related State of Exception and associated curfew measures and other movement restrictions Jan. 4.

At the national level, all individuals are still urged to practice social distancing and must wear a facemask in public spaces. Additionally, all schools are to remain closed to in-person teaching, and teleworking policies will remain in effect until at least Jan. 18. The government will also continue to enforce restrictions to international travel and entry into the country as part of the nation's pandemic response.

International Travel
Ecuador's land and sea borders remain closed to passenger traffic until further notice; however, international air travel is continuing as of Jan. 8. All air arrivals are required to present a negative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) COVID-19 test taken 10 days before travel. Travelers without a negative result will be subject to an antigen test upon arrival. If the test is positive, the traveler must complete a 10-day self-quarantine; if negative, the traveler must still quarantine, but for five days. Nonresidents must complete the quarantine at a government-regulated hotel and accommodation. Persons who present a negative PCR test and who do not have COVID-19 symptoms will not be required to quarantine; however, airport officials will randomly select passengers for testing upon arrival. Persons who test positive will also be subject to quarantine protocols.

Domestic Measures
Municipal authorities will still be empowered to impose stricter restrictions on businesses and public movements, depending on local disease activity. Such measures could also include restrictions on operating hours and capacity limits, as well as on access to entertainment and recreational facilities.

In Quito, commercial establishments and public transport are still limited to 50-percent operating capacity, while cinemas, theatres, and auditoriums are limited to 30 percent. Officials are also are maintaining the "Hoy Circula" vehicular restrictions plan. Under the measure, vehicles with license plates ending in odd numbers (1, 3, 5, 7, and 9) are permitted to circulate Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Vehicles with license plates ending in even numbers (2, 4, 6, 8, and 0) are permitted to circulate Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. All vehicles are permitted on the roads on Sundays.

Authorities could reimpose, extend, tighten, 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 and appointments. 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 (ie, 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.