Peru: Government tightens COVID-19 restrictions in certain municipalities effective Jan. 6 /update 46

Event

The government of Peru has updated the nation's list of provinces designated as locations at high risk for COVID-19 transmission as of Jan. 6. The list has been expanded considerably to encompass several major cities, including Lima, El Callao, Cusco, Cajamarca, Ica, Pisco, Puno, and Trujillo, thereby making them subject to tighter pandemic-related restrictions.

Domestic Measures
A 23:00-04:00 curfew remains in effect in designated high-risk locations. 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. Under authorities' most recent assessment, the following provinces will be at the high-risk level until Jan. 16:

• Lima Province, which includes the capital city of Lima

• The Constitutional Province of El Callao

• Bagua and Chachapoyas Provinces, Amazonas Department

• Santa Province, Ancash Department

• Cusco Province, Cusco Department

• Cajamarca and Jaen Provinces, Cajamarca Department

• Ica and Pisco Provinces, Ica Department

• Huancayo and Satipo Provinces, Junin Department

• Pacasmayo and Trujillo Provinces, La Libertad Department

• Chiclayo Province, Lambayeque Department

• Huaura Province, Lima Department

• Ilo and Mariscal Nieto Provinces, Moquegua Department

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

• Puno Province, Puno Department

• Tacna Province, Tacna Department

• Tumbes Province, Tumbes Department

Officials designate all other provinces as moderate-risk locations. A daily 02:00-04:00 curfew is in effect at the moderate-risk level. Most businesses, including stores, supermarkets, pharmacies, and banks, can operate at 60 percent capacity; stadiums may host up to 30 percent of normal capacity as long as all 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 local curfew begins.

Authorities continue to allow only fully vaccinated individuals to enter indoor businesses; employees have until Jan. 14 to complete their vaccination before they are banned from their own places of employment. Patrons must still wear facemasks while inside such establishments, except when actively eating or drinking.

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

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 have the option of providing a negative COVID-19 test taken within the previous 72 hours instead of proof of vaccination.

International 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 before their flight to Peru. Children under 12 years of age are exempt from vaccination and testing requirements but must show a certificate of good health issued by a physician. Travelers must also complete a health affidavit within 72 hours before travel and may be subject to a health assessment upon arrival; to access the pre-travel health affidavit, click here.

Officials prohibit all non-resident foreign nationals who have been in South Africa or Bostwana in the past 14 days, including for short periods during layovers, from entering Peru until at least Jan. 16. Persons with residency in Peru are exempt from this ban but must quarantine for 14 days 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