Timor-Leste: Nonessential businesses suspended nationwide as of March 13 /update 22

Event

Timor-Leste has suspended nonessential businesses nationwide as of March 13 following a recent increase in COVID-19 cases. Essential businesses, such as food establishments, medical services, banks, and fuel stations, can continue operating with safe-distancing protocols and other measures in place. The end date of the measure is unclear.

The nationwide state of emergency remains in effect through 23:59 April 2. Authorities continue to require people to wear facemasks, frequently sanitize their hands, and maintain a 1-meter (3-feet) distancing from one another when in public. Public transport can operate with protocols, including cleaning the vehicles daily. Officials continue to ban people who show symptoms of COVID-19, except for those in a medical emergency, from using public transport.

Stricter measures are in place in some localities with high COVID-19 activity. Exit rules and stay-home orders are in place in Dili through 23:59 March 15. Exceptions from the exit restrictions are possible for safety, public health, or humanitarian reasons. Covalima Municipality's Fatumean is enforcing entry and exit rules through March 21. It is unclear whether the government provides any exemption from the policy in Fatumean. Authorities may extend or expand the measures to additional localities at short notice, depending on changes in COVID-19 activity.

Travel Restrictions
The border closure and suspension of entry for all local citizens and foreigners remain in effect through 23:59 April 2. Exceptions from the entry ban are in place for diplomatic personnel, members of international organizations and bilateral cooperation agencies, petroleum sector workers, and medical emergencies. Permitted travelers arriving in Timor-Leste are required to quarantine for 14 days in government facilities or their private residences, subject to prior approval from the Ministry of Health. Travelers must provide a negative COVID-19 test before leaving quarantine; officials will not allow individuals to leave quarantine if they cannot show a negative test result.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Reconfirm all travel arrangements. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions. Reconsider and reconfirm nonemergency health appointments. Plan for queues and delays at available shopping centers. Plan for possible ground shipping and travel delays; seek alternative routes and shipping methods for time-sensitive cargo.

Resources

Timor-Leste Government Website
World Health Organization (WHO)