Chile: Significant COVID-19 restrictions remain in force nationwide as of April 23 /update 67

Event

Chile continues to enforce significant restrictions at both the local and national levels in an effort to combat the spread of COVID-19. As of April 23, the following measures are in effect:

Local
The government employs a multiphase quarantine system under which each of Chile's municipalities is designated as being in a specific phase based on local disease activity. In areas under Phase-1 quarantines, all individuals must remain in their homes every day unless they possess a safe-conduct pass. For those under Phase-2 quarantines, individuals must stay in their homes during weekends and holidays unless they have a safe-conduct pass. Some locations have advanced to Phase 3 or 4; in these areas, no quarantine orders are in effect, and only nationwide restrictions, such as school closures and capacity limits on business operations, are in place.

Additionally, persons in areas under Phase-1 quarantine orders cannot travel to other regions of the country. Residents of areas under Phase-2 quarantine orders are permitted one trip to another location provided the destination is not under a Phase-1 quarantine order; the traveler must have his/her public health passport during the travel. Those in areas not under quarantine orders may not enter areas that are subject to quarantines.

Some regions have imposed additional restrictions on entrance and movement. Magallanes Region, for example, requires foreign nationals, including truck drivers, who wish to drive to or through the region to first test negative for COVID-19 using a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test. Within that region, the city of Puerto Williams is completely cordoned off, with all entry and exit prohibited, except for persons possessing safe-conduct passes.

Nationwide
Until at least May 1, nonresident foreigners are prohibited from entry to Chile unless they have been specially authorized to enter by the Chilean diplomatic mission in their home country. Under this regulation, the drivers of cargo trucks may continue to enter Chile, but only if they present negative results of a PCR test taken within 72 hours prior to arrival. Such drivers will also undergo an antigen test upon entry and will be required to enter quarantine if they test positive.

Both Chileans and resident foreigners are likewise prohibited from leaving Chile until at least May 1 unless authorized to do so for emergency purposes. Those transporting cargo from Chile are exempt from this regulation.

A nightly curfew is in effect 21:00-05:00. During curfew hours, all persons must remain in their homes. Persons over the age of 75 must stay in their homes at all times; exceptions are in place for limited outings and depending on COVID-19 activity levels in the area.

Individuals diagnosed with COVID-19 must quarantine for 14 days or until they no longer present symptoms, whichever is longer. Anyone who has had at least 15 minutes of face-to-face contact or prolonged exposure (two or more hours in a shared home, hotel, or office) with a person confirmed to have COVID-19 must quarantine for at least 14 days.

All persons must wear facemasks while in public, including at parks, on mass transit vehicles, and in elevators. Health officials recommend medical-grade masks, but improvised or homemade coverings are permitted as long as they cover both the nose and mouth. All persons must also adhere to social distancing standards by keeping at least one meter (three feet) away from others. Exceptions are in place for individuals sharing vehicles and residences or engaged in work or other activities where maintaining such a distance is impossible.

Authorities could reimpose, extend, further ease, or otherwise amend any restrictions with little-to-no notice depending on disease activity over the coming weeks.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all travel arrangements. Consider delaying traveling if experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19, as they may prompt increased scrutiny and delays. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance. 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.

Resources

World Health Organization (WHO)
Resolutions on COVID-19 Measures
Required Travel Documents
Information on the Phased Restriction System