Ecuador: Officials extends COVID-19 measures, likely through December. Vehicular restrictions revised in Quito. Land, sea borders remain closed. /update 15

Ecuador extends COVID-19 measures, likely through December. Vehicular restrictions revised in Quito. Land, sea borders are closed.

Event

Authorities in Ecuador are likely to maintain existing nationwide measures through December in response to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. Municipal authorities are still empowered to impose stricter restrictions on businesses and public movements, depending on local disease activity. Such measures could also include restrictions on operating hours and capacity limits. At the national level, the following measures remain unchanged as of early December:

Interprovincial transportation remains permitted at 75-percent capacity.
Public institutions and the private sector may return to face-to-face work, but telecommuting is still encouraged if possible.
Bars, nightclubs, and amusement centers may reopen at the discretion of or under the operating requirements set by local officials.
Public shows remain suspended nationwide.
Educational facilities remain closed; only a select few schools have begun gradual reopening programs.
All individuals are urged to practice social distancing and must wear a facemask in public spaces.

Quito
Revised vehicular restrictions, which form part of the "Hoy Circula" plan, are in effect in Quito through December. Under the restrictions, vehicles with license plates ending in odd numbers (1, 3, 5, 7, and 9) are permitted to circulate Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Vehicles with license plates ending in even numbers (2, 4, 6, 8, and 0) are permitted to circulate Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. All vehicles are permitted on the roads throughout the day on Sunday and on other days from 2000-0600.

Shopping centers, supermarkets, markets, banks, and restaurants may operate at 50-percent capacity, while cinemas, theaters, and auditoriums may operate at 30-percent capacity. Bars, nightclubs, and gyms are to remain closed.

International and Domestic Travel
International and domestic flights are permitted; however, the land and sea borders remain closed to all passenger traffic. All international passengers must present proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within 10 days before arrival or complete a mandatory 10-day quarantine upon arrival. A negative COVID-19 test is not required for domestic travel; however, some higher-risk cantons may request proof of a negative COVID-19 test to permit entry. Cargo transportation and personnel involved in the transportation of food, health, and hygiene products, as well as members of the health sector, are exempt from the restrictions. All restrictions are subject to amendment at short notice.

Should the number of COVID-19 cases significantly increase, authorities may reapply restrictions. Likewise, a continued low number of cases may result in further relaxation of restrictions.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all travel arrangements and appointments. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance.
Emphasize basic health precautions, especially frequent handwashing with soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are unavailable. Practice good coughing/sneezing etiquette (i.e., covering coughs and sneezes with a disposable tissue, maintaining distance from others, and washing hands). There is no evidence that the influenza vaccine, antibiotics, or antiviral medications will prevent this disease, highlighting the importance of diligent basic health precautions.