Peru: Health officials modify COVID-19-related movement and travel restrictions through February /update 25

Event

Authorities in Peru have modified the travel and movement restrictions imposed in an effort to stem the spread of COVID-19. Effective Feb. 15 through at least Feb. 28, Peru's land borders are closed to all passenger transport except that by Peruvian citizens and residents. Cargo transport remains unaffected. While limited international flights to Peru continue, nonresident foreigners from or who have had travel layovers in Europe, Brazil, or South Africa are prohibited from entering the country.

Additionally, the government has extended curfew measures and updated the list of locations subject to them. Notably, the capital city of Lima and the city of Callao, which is home to the country's largest airport and seaport, both remain 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. Many departmental capital cities also remain under a 24-hour curfew.

Under the restrictions, curfew hours are set by the level of risk COVID-19 poses in particular areas. In areas at extreme risk, the curfew lasts all day, with all persons required to remain at home except to carry out essential activities, which they may only do 0600-1800. Moreover, persons may not be outside of their residences for more than one hour each day to engage in essential activities; they are also required to remain close to home. In areas at very high risk, curfew hours are 2000-0400. In areas at high risk, the curfew runs 2100-0400. In areas at moderate risk, curfew hours are 2300-0400.

As of Feb. 15, the risk designations of specific regions are as follows:

Extreme risk:

• All of Metropolitan Lima, as well as the Canete, Barranca, Huaral, and Huara Provinces of Lima Department

• All of the Constitutional Province of Callao

• Utcubamba Province, Amazonas Department

• Santa Province, Ancash Department

• Arequipa, Camana, Caylloma, and Islay Provinces, Arequipa Department

• Abancay Province, Apurimac Department

• Huamanga Province, Ayacucho Department

• Cutervo Province, Cajamarca Department

• Canchis and La Convencion Provinces, Cusco Department

• Huancavelica Province, Huancavelica Department

• Huanuco Province, Huanuco Department

• Chinca, Ica, and Pisco Provinces, Ica Department

• Chanchamayo, Huancayo, Tarma, and Yauli Provinces, Junin Department

• Maynas and Ramon Castilla Provinces, Loreto Department

• Ilo Province, Moquegua Department

• Pasco Province, Pasco Department

• Puno Province, Puno Department

• Tacna Province, Tacna Department

Very high risk:

• Lambayeque Department

• La Libertad Department

• Tumbes Department

• Amazonas Department*

• Ancash Department*

• Arequipa Department*

• Apurimac Department*

• Ayacucho Department*

• Cajamarca Department*

• Cusco Department*

• Huancavelica Department*

• Huanuco Department*

• Ica Department*

• Junin Department*

• Lima Department*

• Loreto Department*

• Moquegua Department*

• Pasco Department*

• Puno Department*

• Tacna Department*

*Designates departments where certain municipalities remain under extreme risk

High risk:

• Piura Department

• San Martin Department

• Ucayali Department

Moderate Risk:

• Madre de Dios Department

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. In regions at extreme risk, private vehicles are banned from the roads all days of the week. In regions under very high risk, vehicles are banned on Saturdays and Sundays. In regions at high risk, vehicles are banned on Sundays.

All businesses must adhere to government directives, such as enforcing social distancing guidelines, implementing enhanced sanitary procedures, and limiting operating capacity. Business operating capacity limits vary by local risk designation.

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 pre-existing 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 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