Peru: Health officials modify coronavirus-related movement restrictions as of Jan. 14 /update 23

Event

Authorities in Peru have announced a new movement restrictions system that subjects regions to varying movement limits depending on the local coronavirus disease (COVID-19) risk level.

As of Jan. 14, in very high risk regions, curfew hours are 1900-0400 Monday-Saturday, and all day Sunday. In high risk regions, curfew hours are 2100-0400 daily; authorities have also banned the use of private vehicles on Sundays. In moderate risk regions, curfew hours are 2300-0400 daily.

As of Jan. 14, the risk designations of regions are as follow:

Very high risk:

• Ancash

• Ica

• Junin

• Lambayeque

• Lima Department (excluding metropolitan Lima)

• Piura

• Tacna

High risk:

• Arequipa

• Apurimac

• Cajamarca

• Callao

• Cusco

• Huanuco

• La Libertad

• Metropolitan Lima

• Madre de Dios

• Moquegua

• Pasco

• Puno

• Tumbes

Moderate risk:

• Amazonas

• Ayacucho

• Huancavelica

• Loreto

• San Martin

• Ucayali

The restrictions also impose differing capacity limits on various industries depending on their local risk designation. All businesses must adhere to government directives, such as enforcing social distancing guidelines, implementing enhanced sanitary procedures, and limiting operating capacity.

Food delivery personnel and those engaged in cargo transport are exempt from the curfew, as are essential workers providing health, financial, sanitation, or telecommunications services. Nonexempt individuals outside their homes during curfew hours may be subject to questioning and arrest by police or military personnel.

Other restrictions remain in place. All international travelers entering the country must quarantine for 14 days. Residents over the age of 65 or individuals who have preexisting medical conditions or potentially dangerous comorbidities must stay at home. Exceptions only apply when such persons are experiencing medical emergencies or require food, medicine, or financial services and have no one who can acquire such goods and services on their behalf. Minors must also remain in their residences; they may, however, leave for no more than 30 minutes daily but may venture no further than 500 meters from their homes. Whenever they are in public, minors must be in the company of an adult who lives with them.

All gatherings, including parties and social gatherings inside private homes, are prohibited. Religious services are exempt but limited to one-third of the standard maximum capacity of the house of worship. While beaches may reopen, they are subject to closures on certain days of the week, depending on their locations.

Officials require all persons to wear face shields that cover the eyes, nose, and mouth, and a mask covering the nose and mouth whenever they are using public transportation or flying in an aircraft. All persons must also wash their hands with soap or rub disinfectant on their hands for at least 20 seconds before boarding any aircraft or public transport vehicle. Temperature checks are also mandatory, and no person with a temperature above 38 degrees Celsius (100.4 degrees Fahrenheit) may board any public transport vehicle or enter any airport or bus station. Travelers must sign an affidavit attesting to their health. Persons younger than 14 or older than 65 must sign an additional statement swearing that they are abiding by the national quarantine measures.

Significant transport and business disruptions are ongoing. Authorities have deployed additional security personnel to assist in enforcing the measures that are in place.

Authorities could tighten, 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. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all travel arrangements. Consider delaying traveling if experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19, as they may prompt increased scrutiny and delays. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions. Reconsider and reconfirm non-emergency health appointments. Plan for queues and delays at available shopping centers. Plan for possible ground shipping and travel delays; seek alternative routes and shipping methods for time-sensitive cargo.

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.

Resources

Decree on movement restrictions