Peru: Health officials reimpose strict coronavirus-related movement and travel restrictions through February /update 24

Event

Authorities in Peru have announced new strict movement restrictions following an increase in infections of coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Effective Feb. 1 through at least Feb. 28, much of the country will be subject to a daily 24-hour curfew that requires all persons to stay at home except to engage in essential activities such as acquiring food. Cities subject to the daily 24-hour curfew include Lima, the capital, and Callao, which is home to the country's largest airport and seaport. The new measures also prohibit all nonresident foreigners from Europe, Brazil, and South Africa, as well as all nonresident foreigners who have had layovers in those areas, from entering Peru.

Under the restrictions, curfew hours are set by the level of risk COVID-19 poses in each of Peru's regions. In regions at extreme risk, the curfew lasts all day, with all persons required to remain at home except to carry out essential activities, which they can only do 0600-1800. In engaging in essential activities, persons may not be outside of their homes for more than one hour each day, and they are required to remain close to home. In regions at very high risk, the curfew is 2000-0400. In regions at high risk, the curfew is 2100-0400. In regions at moderate risk, curfew hours are 2300-0400, though no region is designated as moderate risk as of Jan. 28.

As of Jan. 28, the risk designations of regions are as follows:

Extreme risk:

• Ancash

• Apurimac

• Callao

• Huancavelica

• Huanuco

• Ica

• Junin

• Lima

• Pasco

Very high risk:

• Amazonas

• Arequipa

• Ayacucho

• Cajamarca

• Cusco

• Moquegua

• Puno

• Tacna

• Tumbes

High risk:

• La Libertad

• Lambayeque

• Loreto

• Madre de Dios

• Piura

• San Martin

• Ucayali

Nonexempt individuals outside their homes during curfew hours may be subject to questioning and arrest by police or military personnel.

The restrictions also include a prohibition on the use of private vehicles, which comes into effect on Feb. 14. In regions at extreme risk, private vehicles will be banned from the roads all days of the week. In regions under very high risk, vehicles will be banned on Saturdays and Sundays. In regions at high risk, vehicles will be banned on Sundays.

The restrictions further 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.

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. All gatherings, including parties and social gatherings inside private homes, are prohibited.

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.

Resources

Decree on Movement Restrictions