Honduras: Officials extend COVID-19-related 2100-0500 curfew through Feb. 28 /update 38

Event

Authorities in Honduras have extended the existing 2100-0500 nightly curfew until at least Feb. 28, while maintaining the additional movement restrictions in the departments of Santa Barbara, Atlantida, Yoro, and Cortes (which includes the city of San Pedro Sula), also in place until Feb. 28. The measures are part of ongoing efforts to curb the spread of COVID-19 and are generally reviewed on a weekly basis and repeatedly extended, albeit with some revisions at times. During curfew hours, only heavy cargo transport and persons with safe passage authorization are allowed outside; everyone else must remain in their homes. All other previously established pandemic-related requirements remain unchanged as of Feb. 22.

Officials will continue to strictly enforce health, sanitization, and other operating protocols at commercial establishments. All banks, supermarkets, shopping centers, and shops nationwide must remain limited to a 50-percent operating capacity. Authorized businesses must ensure that customers have covered their mouths and noses, use hand sanitizer, and practice social distancing. All persons are required to wear protective facemasks in public. Social gatherings are to be limited to no more than 10 people. Bars, discotheques, movie theaters, gyms, and convention centers are required to remain closed; several other establishments that encourage large group gatherings also remain closed.

Enhanced Localized Measures
In Santa Barbara, Atlantida, Yoro, and Cortes departments, public movements will only be permitted 0500-2000 and will be determined by the last digit of the individual's national identification card, legal residency card, or passport. This measure primarily affects the weekend periods:

• Feb. 22-26, all digits may circulate 0500-2000.

• Feb. 27, only those ending in 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4 may circulate.

• Feb. 28, only those ending in 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9 may circulate.

Senior citizens, pregnant women, and persons with disabilities will have special access to authorized commercial establishments 0700-0900 and banks 0900-1000 depending on the last digit of their official identification.

International Travel
Authorities have reopened the country's airports and land border crossings to international travel following an extended closure but are enforcing enhanced entry requirements for all travelers. All travelers must present a negative result from a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) COVID-19 test taken no more than 72 hours before departure for Honduras and a completed pre-arrival (prechequeo) travel form. Passengers departing via the land borders are also required to complete the online prechequeo form. Travelers may be subjected to additional COVID-19 testing upon arrival. The use of a facemask is required at all times while traveling.

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. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions.

Resources

World Health Organization (WHO)
Government of Honduras - COVID-19 (Spanish)
National Police of Honduras (Spanish)
National Institute of Migration - Pre-check in Form (Spanish)