Ecuador: Authorities maintain coronavirus restrictions nationwide as of Feb. 8 /update 20

Event

Authorities in Ecuador continue to enforce movement restrictions related to curbing the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19). As of Feb. 8, officials have banned the use of vehicles in Quito 2300-0400, except on Sundays and holidays.

At the national level, authorities continue to urge all individuals to practice social distancing. The use of facemasks in public spaces is mandatory. Officials also continue to enforce international travel and entry restrictions as part of the country's pandemic response.

International Travel
Ecuador's land and sea borders remain closed to passenger traffic until further notice; however, international air travel continues as of Feb. 8. All air arrivals must present a negative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) COVID-19 test taken within 10 days before departure. 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 for five days. Nonresidents must complete the quarantine at a government-regulated hotel or accommodation. Persons who present a negative PCR test and who do not have COVID-19 symptoms are exempt from 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 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, as well as access to entertainment and recreational facilities.

In Quito, commercial establishments and public transport are limited to 50-percent operating capacity, while cinemas, theaters, and auditoriums are limited to 30 percent. After temporarily lifting the "Hoy Circula" vehicular restrictions plan to coincide with the Feb. 7 elections, officials announced they would reimpose the restrictions beginning Feb. 9. 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 allowed on the roads on Sundays. Vehicles remain prohibited from circulating in Quito 2300-0400, except on Sundays and holidays.

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.

Resources

World Health Organization (WHO)
Coronavirus Ecuador (Spanish)
Map of Color-Coded Municipalities (Spanish)