Ecuador: Officials enforcing COVID-19-related testing requirements for all international travelers as of Jan. 1 /update 17

Authorities in Ecuador require coronavirus disease-related tests from air travelers as of Jan. 1. Curfew and other measures are in effect.

Event

As of Jan. 1, authorities in Ecuador have amended testing requirements for travelers entering the country, as part of the nation's ongoing coronavirus disease (COVID-19) response. All air arrivals are required to present a negative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) COVID-19 test taken 10 days before travel. The measure was previously applied to persons departing Australia, South Africa, the United Kingdom, or the European Union, but will now be enforced for all travelers. 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.

The land and sea borders remain closed to passenger traffic.

Domestic Measures
Officials are maintaining enhanced restrictions that went into effect Dec. 21. The nightly 2200-0400 curfew will be enforced through at least Jan. 4. Only essential personnel in select sectors may be out of their homes during the curfew hours.

Other business and movement restrictions are still being applied. Officials are allowing commercial centers to operate 0800-2000 daily with a maximum capacity of 50-percent; restaurants and hotels may not operate at more than 30 percent of their normal capacity. All bars that had previously been allowed to reopen must once again close through at least Jan. 5. Vehicular restrictions are also in place. Only vehicles with license plates that end in odd digits may operate on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Only vehicles with license plates that end with even digits may operate Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. They may also operate on Sunday, Jan. 3, 2021.

Municipal authorities are still 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. At the national level, the following measures remain unchanged:

Interprovincial transportation remains permitted at 75-percent capacity. Some higher-risk cantons may request proof of a negative COVID-19 test to permit entry.
Public shows remain suspended nationwide.
Educational facilities remain closed; only a select few schools have begun gradual reopening programs.
All individuals are urged to practice social distancing and must wear a facemask in public spaces.

Authorities could reimpose, extend, further 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.