Uruguay: Authorities announce stricter domestic COVID-19-related restrictions through April 12 /update 13

Event

Authorities in Uruguay have announced stricter restrictions on nonessential businesses and activities, and public services through April 12. The measures are in addition to other domestic and international travel measures that form part of the nation's ongoing COVID-19 response.

Under the new orders, all public services offices will be closed except for essential services and in the private sector, people over the age of 65 are encouraged to remain at home during this period. Parties, social events, public shows, and amateur sports practices are suspended, while clubs and gyms are to remain closed. All duty-free shops in the border areas will also be closed through April 12 and schools will be temporarily closed until the end of Easter holiday period. Restaurants, bars, and similar establishments must enforce capacity limits and are required to close by 00:01. These measures are in addition to other nationwide requirements to wear a facemask in public and practice social-distancing.

International Travel Restrictions
Authorities are maintaining the ban on entry for most nonresident foreign leisure travelers. Under the partial border closure, in addition to nationals and foreign residents, the temporary entry of certain foreign nationals is permitted subject to prior approval, for family reunification or labor, economic, business, and judicial purposes. Aircraft and ship crews may also enter. Officials also allowed Brazilian nationals residing at the border to enter if they remained in the border cities in which they arrive. Despite the continued ban on entry for most foreign passenger travel, cargo transport, humanitarian, and repatriation flights are continuing normally.

All arriving passengers must present a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of arrival. All persons entering the country must complete a seven-day self-quarantine. If the traveler is staying in the country for more than seven days, the traveler will be required to take another COVID-19 test on the seventh day or to complete an additional seven days of self-quarantine.

Authorities could further tighten, ease, or otherwise amend any restrictions with little-to-no notice depending on local disease activity. Highly targeted localized measures could be enforced in some areas assessed to be high-risk.

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.

Resources

World Health Organization
Uruguay Coronavirus Updates
Traveler Authorization Form