Uruguay: Authorities extend domestic COVID-19-related restrictions through at least May 23 /update 16

Officials in Uruguay extend nationwide domestic restrictions through at least May 23 due to COVID-19 activity.

Event

Authorities in Uruguay have extended the nation's existing restrictions on nonessential businesses, public services, and activities through at least May 23 due to the high number of COVID-19 infections and hospitalizations. Under current directives, all government offices are closed except for providing essential services. In the private sector, restaurants, bars, and similar establishments must enforce capacity limits and are required to close nightly by 00:01. All duty-free shops in border areas, as well as casinos, must remain closed. Parties, social events, public shows, and amateur sports practices are suspended, while clubs and gyms are to remain closed. Nationwide requirements concerning the use of facemasks in public and social distancing are in effect. Residents over the age of 65 are encouraged to stay at home. Nevertheless, a phased return to in-person classes started in early May and will continue as originally scheduled.

International Travel Restrictions
Uruguay's ban on entry by most nonresident foreign leisure travelers remains in effect. Entry is largely restricted to citizens and legal residents; certain foreign nationals may be granted temporary entry for family reunification or labor, economic, business, and judicial purposes subject to prior approval. Aircraft and ship crews may also enter the country. Brazilian nationals residing at the border may enter if they remain in the border cities in which they arrive. Cargo transport, humanitarian flights, and repatriation flights are exempt from the entry bans and continuing normally.

All arriving passengers must present a negative result from a COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of arrival. All persons entering the country must complete a seven-day self-quarantine. Travelers staying in the country for more than seven days must take a second COVID-19 test on the seventh day or 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.