Peru: Government updates provincial COVID-19 risk designations and extends restrictions through Aug. 22 /update 36

Event

Authorities in Peru have updated the COVID-19-related risk designations and restrictions through at least Aug. 22. Peru employs a four-tier system to track the COVID-19 transmission risk in individual provinces and departments and assign restrictions accordingly. In areas designated as being at extreme risk for disease activity, curfew hours are 21:00-04:00, except for Sundays when all residents must remain in their homes for the entire day. Most indoor businesses may open at a maximum of 30 percent capacity, including restaurants. As of Aug. 9, no jurisdiction is at the Extreme risk level.

In areas designated as Very High risk level, curfew hours are 22:00-04:00 daily, including on Sundays; the use of private vehicles remains banned on Sundays. Grocery stores, banks, markets, pharmacies, and essential stores may open at 50 percent capacity, restaurants, libraries, and museums at 40 percent capacity, while malls, retail stores, gyms, cinemas at 30 percent capacity. Mass events are banned, although outdoor recreational activities are allowed. As of Aug. 9, Arequipa and Moquegua departments are at Very High risk level.

In high-risk locations, curfew hours run between 00:01-04:00, and the use of private vehicles is allowed on Sundays. Essential businesses may open at 60 percent capacity; restaurants, museums, libraries at 50 percent capacity, malls and entertainment venues at 40 percent capacity. The Lima Province and the departments of Amazonas, Ancash, Apurimac, Ayacucho, Cusco, Ica, Junin, Loreto, Puno, San Martin and Tacna, are at high-risk level as of Aug. 9.

At the moderate risk level, the nightly curfew runs between 00:01-04:00; essential businesses may open at 60 percent capacity and all other businesses at 50 percent capacity. The departments of Cajamarca, Huancavelica, Huanuco, La Libertad, Lambayeque, Madre de Dios, Pasco, Piura, Tumbes, and Ucayal, as well as the Constitutional Province of Callao and Lima Department, with the exception of the province of Lima, are at moderate risk level.

Nonexempt individuals outside their homes during curfew hours may be subject to questioning and arrest by police or military personnel. All businesses must adhere to government directives, such as enforcing social distancing guidelines, implementing enhanced sanitary procedures, and limiting operating capacity. They must also close one hour before the start of the curfew.

All gatherings, including parties and social gatherings inside private homes, are prohibited. Officials require all persons to wear face shields that cover the eyes, nose, and mouth, and a mask covering the nose and mouth whenever they are using public transportation or flying in an aircraft. Double masking is also required to enter several indoor establishments, such as shopping centers, supermarkets, and pharmacies. All persons must also wash their hands with soap or rub disinfectant on their hands for at least 20 seconds before boarding any aircraft or public transport vehicle. Temperature checks are also mandatory, and no person with a temperature above 38 degrees Celsius (100.4 degrees Fahrenheit) may board any public transport vehicle or enter any airport or bus station. Travelers must sign an affidavit attesting to their health. Persons younger than 14 or older than 65 must sign an additional statement swearing they are abiding by the national quarantine measures.

Travel Restrictions
All foreign nationals who have been in Brazil, India, or South Africa in the past 14 days, including for short periods during layovers, are prohibited from entering Peru until at least Aug. 22. Persons with residency in Peru are exempt from this ban but must quarantine for 14 days upon arrival.

All travelers over the age of 12 must show proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours prior to their flight to Peru, or 24 hours if it is an antigen test. Children aged 12 years and less must show a certificate of good health issued by medical doctors. Travelers must also fill a pre-travel health declaration and pass through a health assessment upon arrival.

Authorities could tighten, 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. 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

Restrictions Decree