Chile: Authorities cordon off major metropolitan areas through May 23 in effort to stem the spread of COVID-19 /update 69

Event

The government of Chile announced that the Santiago Metropolitan Region, the city of Valparaiso, the urban areas of Concepcion, the area composed of the urban zones of Temuco and Padre Las Casas, and Valparaiso Region will all be cordoned off 18:00 May 20-22:00 May 23 as part of the efforts to stem the spread of COVID-19. The city of Puerto Williams, which had already been cordoned off, will also remain so during this period. All ground travel in and out of these areas by persons who do not possess safe-conduct passes will be prohibited.

Additionally, significant domestic restrictions remain in place at both the local and national levels in response to disease activity. As of May 20, 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.

Nationwide
Until at least May 31, 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 from 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 31 unless authorized to do so for emergency purposes. Those transporting cargo from Chile are exempt from this regulation.

A nightly curfew is in effect 22:00-05:00. 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