Ecuador: Authorities impose curfew in certain provinces April 2-9 to prevent COVID-19 spike during Easter holiday season /update 25

Event

As part of Ecuador's efforts to stem the spread of COVID-19 during the Easter holiday season, authorities have announced that a 20:00-05:00 curfew will in be effect April 2-9 in the provinces of Azuay, El Oro, Esmeraldas, Guayas, Loja, Manabi, Pichincha, and Santo Domingo de los Tsachilas.

Easter-related temporarily COVID-19 restrictions are also in effect in Quito where no private vehicles may be on the roads between the hours of 22:00-06:00 through April 9. Furthermore, the hours during which the previously existing restrictions on private vehicle use are in force in the Ecuadorian capital have been expanded by two hours to run 06:00-22:00, rather than 06:00-20:00. The new schedule will remain in effect through May 31. Under this regulation, motorists may only drive their vehicles in Quito during the stipulated time frame on days of the week determined by the final digit of their license plates. These are:

• Mondays: Private vehicles with plates ending in 0, 1, 2, and 3 may not be on the roads.

• Tuesdays: Private vehicles with plates ending in 2, 3, 4, and 5 may not be on the roads.

• Wednesdays: Private vehicles with plates ending in 4, 5, 6, and 7 may not be on the roads.

• Thursdays: Private vehicles with plates ending in 6, 7, 8, and 9 may not be on the roads.

• Fridays: Private vehicles with plates ending in 8, 9, 0, and 1 may not be on the roads.

Other restrictions remain in place in Quito. Commercial establishments and public transport are limited to operating at 50 percent capacity, while cinemas, theaters, and auditoriums are limited to 30 percent.

Restrictions at the national level remain largely unchanged. Authorities urge all individuals to practice social distancing. The use of facemasks in public spaces is mandatory. All schools are to remain closed to in-person teaching and teleworking policies will remain in effect until at least April 13. Municipal authorities are still empowered to impose stricter restrictions on businesses and public movements, depending on local disease activity. Such measures could also include restrictions on operating hours and capacity limits, as well as access to entertainment and recreational facilities.

International Travel Restrictions
The following requirements are being enforced for air arrivals:

• Travelers must present a negative COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or antigen test result for entry; the test must be taken within 72 hours before departure for Ecuador.

• Travelers with proof of having received a full dose of an approved COVID-19 vaccine may enter without a negative PCR test.

• Travelers diagnosed with COVID-19, with the onset of symptoms occurring more than a month before travel and who continue to have a positive result in their PCR test, may still enter Ecuador provided they do not present symptoms and provide a medical certificate confirming their good health.

• Passengers presenting COVID-19 symptoms will be subject to an antigen test upon arrival. If the test is positive, the traveler must complete a 10-day self-quarantine. Nonresidents must complete the quarantine at a government-regulated hotel or accommodation.

All restrictions are subject to amendment at short notice, depending on local disease activity.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all travel arrangements and appointments. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance.

Resources

World Health Organization (WHO)
Coronavirus Ecuador (Spanish)
Air Traveler Entry Protocols (Spanish)
Map of Color-Coded Municipalities (Spanish)