Reunion: Authorities tighten domestic COVID-19 measures starting July 31 /update 25

Reunion tightens COVID-19 domestic measures, amends curfew hours from July 31.

Event

French authorities have issued orders tightening COVID-19 measures on Reunion as part of the territory's effort to curb the spread of the Delta variant of the virus; a related health state of emergency remains in effect. From 05:00 July 31, individuals will be allowed to leave their residences within a 10 km (6 miles) radius of their homes from Monday-Saturday and within a 5 km (3 miles) radius on Sundays – except for professional or essential reasons listed by the local government. A stricter 18:00-05:00 curfew will be in effect starting July 31. During curfew hours, signed permits (that can be found here) are to be required for people leaving home for essential purposes listed by the local government.

Only essential businesses such as fuel stations or pharmacies will remain open after 18:00. Most other businesses, including bars, cafes, and gyms will close. Restaurants may operate under strict health protocols outside curfew hours. Facemasks remain compulsory for persons over 11 years old in busy public areas.

Measures will be valid until at least 05:00 August 16.

Travel Restrictions
International travel is ongoing. All unvaccinated arrivals must have a compelling reason for their travel, such as important family, personal, or professional business, or a medical emergency.

All persons older than 12 years of age arriving in the territory must produce a negative result from a PCR test taken no more than 72 hours before boarding or an antigen test taken no more than 48 hours before boarding. Both tests should not exceed 48 hours if traveling from a country listed as Red. For a list of current country color classifications, click here.
Unvaccinated arrivals from Green and Orange countries are recommended to self-isolate for seven days, while those arriving from a Red country are mandated to quarantine for seven days and will be tested at the end of the isolation period. Vaccinated travelers do not need to self-isolate.
Unvaccinated travelers leaving the island to mainland France must also present a negative result from a PCR test taken no more than 72 hours before boarding an antigen test taken no more than 48 hours before boarding.
Cruise ships may not dock at ports. Health checks are in place at ports of entry.

Authorities could reimpose, extend, 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. Confirm all travel arrangements well before departure. 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.