Peru: Government modifies and extends province-level COVID-19 restrictions through at least Dec. 12 /update 43

Event

Authorities in Peru have issued orders modifying and extending certain of the nation's COVID-19-related restrictions. Effective Dec. 15, authorities will only allow fully vaccinated individuals to enter indoor businesses; patrons must still wear facemasks while inside such establishments, except when actively eating or drinking. Additionally, companies with more than 10 employees will be allowed to resume in-person operations, albeit only if all employees have been fully vaccinated. New vaccination requirements for domestic ground and air travel will also go into effect on the same date.

Furthermore, the government has extended Peru's existing system of provincial-level restrictions based on local COVID-19 risk factors through at least Dec. 12. In designated high-risk locations, curfew hours run 23:00-04:00. Essential businesses, restaurants, museums, and libraries may operate at 50 percent capacity; shopping malls and entertainment venues can operate at up to 40 percent capacity. Following authorities' most recent assessment, the following provinces will be at the high-risk level until Dec. 12:

• Santa Province, Ancash Region

• Huamanga Province, Ayacucho Region

• Huancavelica Province, Huancavelica Region

• Concepcion Province, Junin Region

• Chepen and Viru Provinces, La Libertad Region

• Piura, Sechura, Sullana, and Talara Provinces, Piura Region

All other provinces are designated as moderate-risk locations. At the moderate-risk level, the daily curfew runs 02:00-04:00. Most businesses can operate at 60 percent capacity; stadiums host up to 20 percent of normal capacity, as long as all of the spectators are fully vaccinated.

Individuals outside their homes during curfew hours without an official exemption may be subject to questioning and arrest. 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 local curfew hours.

All persons must wear face shields that cover the eyes, nose, and mouth as well as a mask covering the nose and mouth whenever they are using public transport or flying in an aircraft. Double masking is also required to enter certain indoor establishments, such as shopping centers, supermarkets, and pharmacies. Temperature checks are also mandatory. Persons younger than 14 or older than 65 must sign a statement attesting that they are abiding by national quarantine measures.

Travel Restrictions
International travelers whose final destination is Peru must show proof of having been fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Additionally, travelers must present a negative result from a COVID-19 test issued within 72 hours prior to their flight to Peru. Children under 12 years of age are exempt from these vaccination and testing requirements but must show a certificate of good health issued by medical doctors. Travelers must also complete a health affidavit within 72 hours prior to travel and may be subject to a health assessment upon arrival; to access the pre-travel health affidavit, click here.

All non-resident foreign nationals who have been in South Africa in the past 14 days, including for short periods during layovers, are prohibited from entering Peru until at least Dec. 12. Persons with residency in Peru are exempt from this ban but must quarantine for 14 days upon arrival.

Starting Dec. 15, travelers over the age of 45 using interprovincial ground transportation must show proof of being fully vaccinated; persons over 45 years old using interprovincial air transport will be subject to the same requirement but will have the option of providing a negative COVID-19 test taken within the previous 72 hours instead of proof of vaccination.

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