Ecuador: Officials announce new COVID-19 measures, including curfew and travel restrictions /update 16

Ecuador announces new COVID-19 measures Dec. 21. Curfew and travel restrictions are in effect.

Event

Authorities announced a series of new regulations to stem the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Ecuador as of Dec. 21. A nightly 2200-0400 curfew will remain in effect nationwide until Jan. 4, 2021. Only essential personnel in select sectors may be out of their homes during the curfew hours. Furthermore, all gatherings of more than 10 people are prohibited until at least Jan. 1, 2021, and all beaches will be closed on Dec. 24, 25, 31, and Jan. 1.

Officials are allowing commercial centers to operate 0800-2000 daily with a maximum capacity of 50-percent; restaurants and hotels may not operate at more than 30 percent of their normal capacity. All bars that had previously been allowed to reopen must once again close through at least Jan. 5, 2021.

Additionally, the new regulations impose vehicular restrictions throughout the country. Beginning Dec. 22, only vehicles with license plates that end in odd digits may operate on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. They may also operate on Sunday, Dec. 27. Only vehicles with license plates that end with even digits may operate Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. They may also operate on Sunday, Jan. 3, 2021.

Additionally, all persons departing Australia, South Africa, the United Kingdom, or the European Union are required to present a negative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) COVID-19 test result and undergo a separate antigen COVID-19 test at the airport. If the antigen test is positive, travelers will be required to quarantine for at least 10 days.

All other travelers are also subject to a quarantine period upon arrival. Those who have presented a negative PCR test result must quarantine for five days, while those who present a positive test result or who do not have a test result must quarantine for 10 days. The land and sea borders remain closed to passenger traffic. Authorities may impose tighter restrictions in the coming hours.

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:

Interprovincial transportation remains permitted at 75-percent capacity. Some higher-risk cantons may request proof of a negative COVID-19 test to permit entry.
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.

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 (ie, 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.