Guatemala: Authorities ban direct flights from the UK and South Africa as of Dec 23 /update 25

Guatemala bans direct flights from UK and South Africa, since Dec. 23, due to new COVID-19 variant.

Event

Authorities in Guatemala have banned all flights originating in or transiting through the UK and South Africa as of Dec. 23. Officials stated that the measure is due to the spread of a variant strain of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) detected in both countries. In addition, all foreign travelers who have been in the UK or South Africa in the preceding 14 days will be barred from boarding Guatemala-bound flights. It is unclear how long the measures will be in place. Returning Guatemalan nationals, residents, diplomats, and flight crew are permitted to enter but must self-quarantine for 10 days after arrival.

Separately, Guatemala's land, air, and seaports of entry remain open to passenger traffic. All persons entering Guatemala must present a negative COVID-19 test result from a test taken no more than 72 hours before their arrival. Authorities will enforce additional health protocols and screenings at La Aurora International Airport (GUA); passengers arriving by air are also required to complete an online Health Pass before arrival. If Guatemalan citizens or residents do not present the negative test, or if they have COVID-19 related symptoms, they will be taken to an isolation center for further screenings; nonresident foreign nationals under the same circumstances will be denied entry into Guatemala.

Domestic Restrictions
Authorities are likely to maintain the nation's current restrictions through at least early January. The government in Guatemala City has gradually eased restrictions on leisure and recreational activities in a move toward ending the state of calamity introduced in response to the pandemic. Bars and other recreational establishments are permitted to open. National parks, archaeological sites, fairs, theaters, swimming pools, and gyms are open, and concerts may resume, subject to capacity limits established within the country's four-tier virus risk classification system. This system divides the country according to the level of COVID-19 activity in each municipality, ranging from the red level, indicating the highest risk, to the green level, which indicates the lowest.

Some nationwide measures will remain unchanged. Individuals must continue to use facemasks while in public; failure to do so may result in a fine. Individuals are also urged to continue compliance with social distancing and adequate hygiene protocols. The sale and consumption of alcohol is prohibited in commercial establishments 2100-0600 daily, except on Dec. 24, 25, and 31, as well as on Jan. 1.

All measures are subject to amendment at short notice. Authorities may reapply or further ease restrictions depending on COVID-19 activity. Transport and business disruptions are likely to persist despite reopening plans.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all appointments and travel arrangements. 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.