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17 Jan 2022 | 08:39 PM UTC

Peru: Government updates COVID-19 restrictions in certain municipalities Jan. 17 /update 47

Peru increases number of municipalities designated high risk for COVID-19 transmission Jan. 17; some restrictions tightened.

Warning

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. 17. The list has been expanded to encompass several cities, including Arequipa, Huanuco, and Paita. Lima and El Callao also remain designated as high risk. High-risk locations are under tighter restrictions but authorities have shortened the curfew in these areas from 23:00-04:00 to 00:00-04:00.

Additionally, authorities tightened testing requirements for unvaccinated arriving passengers aged 12 or older. These passengers must now present a negative result from a COVID-19 test taken within 48 hours before their flight, instead of within 72 hours prior to boarding. Travelers aged 12 or older who can show proof of being fully vaccinated are not subject to testing requirements.

Domestic Measures
Essential businesses, shopping malls, cinemas, and places of worship may operate at up to 60 percent capacity; libraries and museums 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. 30:

  • Lima Province, which includes the capital city of Lima

  • The Constitutional Province of El Callao

  • Arequipa, Camana, and Islay provinces, Arequipa Department

  • Huanuco and Leoncio Prado provinces, Huanuco Department

  • Huamanga Province, Ayacucho Department

  • Santa and Huaraz provinces, Ancash Department

  • Cusco, Urubamba, and La Convencion provinces, Cusco Department

  • Cajamarca and Jaen provinces, Cajamarca Department

  • Ica, Chincha, Palpa, and Pisco provinces, Ica Department

  • Huancayo, Chanchamayo, Tarma, and Satipo provinces, Junin Department

  • Pacasmayo and Trujillo provinces, La Libertad Department

  • Chiclayo, Ferrenafe, and Lambayeque provinces, Lambayeque Department

  • Huaura, Barranca, Huaral, Huarochiri, and Canete provinces, Lima Department

  • Ilo and Mariscal Nieto provinces, Moquegua Department

  • Piura, Morropon, Paita, Sechura, Sullana, and Talara provinces, Piura Department

  • Tacna and Jorge Basadre provinces, Tacna Department

Officials designate all other provinces as moderate risk and a daily 02:00-04:00 curfew is in effect at these locations. Most businesses, including stores, supermarkets, pharmacies, and banks, can operate at 80 percent capacity; stadiums may host up to 40 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.

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.

International Travel Restrictions
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. 30. Peruvian residents are exempt from this ban but must show proof of being fully vaccinated and a COVID-19 test taken within 48 hours prior to boarding.

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