Colombia: Authorities tighten movement restrictions in Bogota as of Jan. 8 due to COVID-19 /update 24

Event

As of Jan. 8, authorities in Colombia are enforcing a series of tightened movement restrictions in Bogota in response to a spike in confirmed coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases. These measures are in addition to existing nationwide COVID-19-related measures, which will remain in place until at least Feb. 18. Other local governments could also impose stricter restrictions over the coming days and weeks.

Localized Measures
In Bogota and until 0400 Jan. 12, only essential movement will be permitted at any hour of the day; individuals may only leave their homes to purchase food, medicine, and other essential goods. From Jan. 12-16, the mobility restrictions will be lifted, but officials will enforce a nightly 2000-0500 curfew. Only critical and essential personnel are allowed out during the curfew. ID-based restrictions will also continue throughout this period; individuals may only attend to the acquisition and payment of goods and services according to the last number of the individual's document. Persons with ID numbers ending in 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9 are permitted on odd-numbered days, while ID numbers ending in 0, 2, 4, 6, and 8 are permitted on even-numbered days. Additional localized special measures are also being enforced in some areas. In the Usaquen, Engativa, and Suba neighborhoods, previously announced quarantine measures will continue until Jan. 17. Under the localized quarantine orders, all nonessential establishments must remain closed, and a curfew will be enforced 2000-0500. Similar quarantine orders will be applied to the Kennedy, Teusaquillo, and Fontibon areas Jan. 12-21.

Nationwide Measures
Under the current pandemic-related phase of recovery in effect through Feb. 18, only people who present COVID-19 symptoms are required to remain quarantined at home for at least 14 days. All other individuals must continue to wear facemasks in public spaces and adhere to physical-distancing and sanitization protocols. All open establishments must continue to follow strict safety and sanitation guidelines. The following restrictions remain in place nationwide:

• Restaurants may operate with a 50-person capacity limit. No alcohol may be served.

• Entertainment establishments, including cinemas, theaters, bars, and casinos, are allowed to open. No alcohol may be served. Nightclubs remain closed.

• Spas and sporting facilities, such as gymnasiums and swimming pools, are open with a maximum capacity of 50 people. Sporting events are prohibited.

• Religious services may take place in certain municipalities but may have no more than 50 people in attendance.

International Travel
Authorities reintroduced testing requirements for all international arrivals, though the start date was postponed until Jan. 12. All travelers must present proof of a negative COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test taken no more than 96 hours before departure. Persons without a test may be permitted entry but will be subject to testing upon arrival and a 14-day quarantine.

All travelers still need to complete the "Check-Mig" online form between 24 hours and one hour before departure and must comply with regulations associated with contact-tracing upon arrival. Travelers with COVID-19 symptoms will not be allowed to enter the country.

Approved international commercial passenger flights are continuing at Colombia's main airports, including from Bolivia, Brazil, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Guatemala, Mexico, Curacao, Panama, and the US. All international flights to and from the UK have been restricted since Dec. 21 due to the spread of a variant strain of COVID-19 in that country. It is unclear when the restrictions will be lifted. Only Colombian citizens, residents, and other authorized travelers who have been in or traveled to the UK within 14 days before arrival are permitted entry subject to a 14-day mandatory quarantine. Colombia's land and river borders remain closed, except for cargo and humanitarian aid, until at least Jan. 16.

Authorities could further tighten, reimpose, 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. Reconfirm all travel arrangements. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions. 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.

Resources

World Health Organization (WHO)
Office of the President (Spanish)
Government COVID-19 Updates (Spanish)
Check-Mig Online Form (Spanish)