Bolivia: Authorities extend COVID-19-related Europe flight suspension through March 15 /update 19

Event

Authorities again extended the suspension of all passenger flights to and from Europe until March 15 as part of ongoing efforts to curb the spread of COVID-19. The regional travel ban was initially implemented Dec. 25, 2020, in response to the spread of a variant COVID-19 strain in the UK. Officials are allowing repatriation flights for Bolivian citizens intending to return from Europe. Returning nationals from Europe must complete a 14-day self-quarantine. All other international travel, however, is continuing subject to the following travel protocols:

Travelers must complete an online entry form prior to travel and must present the form upon arrival.
Travelers must present a negative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test taken no more than 72 hours before travel for persons traveling from border countries, no more than seven days if traveling from South America, Central America, and the Caribbean, and no more than 10 days for persons traveling from North America, Europe (where allowed), Asia, and Oceania.

Domestic Restrictions
Nationally, officials have tightened some health requirements and operating requirements through Feb. 28. Measures include the suspension of all social and folklore events, implementing staggered work schedules, reducing the capacity of indoor sports, cultural and religious activities, and encouraging telework policies. Officials also previously announced mandatory protocols for the public and public sectors nationwide which include industry-specific requirements relating to wearing facemasks, physical distancing, temperature testing, and sanitization protocols in the construction, food and beverage, manufacturing, and mining sectors and public entities. All individuals must continue to observe physical distancing of 1.5 meters (5 feet) and wear a facemask in public places. Authorities have also urged the public to avoid mass events.

Municipal officials are empowered to enforce stricter restrictions on businesses, intercity and interdepartmental travel, general movement, recreational activity, and public gatherings, depending on the local risk level. These measures may include scheduling and capacity limits or restrictions on commercial operating hours or vehicular movements.

Localized Measures
A long-standing curfew remains in effect in La Paz 2200-0500 on weekdays and 2000-0500 on weekends and public holidays. All business operations must end one hour before the curfew takes effect. Individuals must also adhere to shopping restrictions at banks, markets, and supermarkets, determined by the last digit of one's ID number on certain days of the week. Persons with ID numbers ending in 0, 2, 4, 6, and 8 are permitted on Mondays and Wednesdays; persons with ID numbers ending in 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9 are permitted Tuesdays and Thursdays. Bars and nightclubs remain closed and mass events are suspended.

Elsewhere, vehicular restrictions are in place in Santa Cruz and Cochabamba. In Santa Cruz, a stricter curfew will be enforced 2000-0400 through Feb. 17 during the Carnival holiday period. The sale and consumption of alcohol are prohibited at food outlets, and activities at mass events, bars, and nightclubs are suspended. Outside this period, the curfew is enforced 2200-0400 Monday-Friday, with businesses required to close by 2100, and 2000-0400 on weekends, with businesses required to close by 1900. In Cochabamba, until Feb. 28, a curfew is being enforced 2200-0500 Monday-Saturday, with a full lockdown on Sundays.

Authorities could reimpose, extend, further tighten, 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. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions.