Venezuela: Authorities to enforce flexible COVID-19-related restrictions, with modified measures in some areas, through March 21 /update 37

Event

Authorities in Venezuela will enforce so-called flexible quarantine measures March 15-21, with modified measures in the Capital District and La Guaira, Miranda, and Bolivar states, as part of the nation's long-standing "7+7" COVID-19-related response. Flexible quarantine measures are generally alternated with radical quarantine measures on a weekly basis. Under the modified measures in the four affected states, standard flexible quarantine measures will be applied, with the addition of checkpoints at various points of entry to reduce entry and exit and the suspension of interurban transport to and from these areas, including Caracas. Authorities have attributed a spike in cases in these areas to the COVID-19 variant strain from Brazil.

The following measures are in place under general flexible quarantine:

• Flexible Quarantine: Authorities allow multiple areas of the economy to operate, including lodging businesses, beaches, private clubs, theme parks, restaurants, cafes, furniture stores, construction, hardware stores, transport, banks, and financial services, barbershops and hair salons, car repair businesses, healthcare centers (including dental offices and veterinarians), clothing services, chemical industries, car washes, bookstores, sporting events without spectators, museums, theaters and cinemas (with limited capacity), and personalized services, as well as access to beaches and places of worship (at 40-percent capacity). Government offices, including the National Institute of Ground Transport (Instituto Nacional de Transporte Terrestre, INTT) and the Administrative Service of Identification, Migration, and Foreign Affairs (Servicio Administrativo de Identificacion, Migracion y Extranjeria, SAIME), are also permitted to operate.

• Border Areas: Unlike the rest of the country, the border municipalities in Zulia, Apure, Tachira, and Bolivar were mostly excluded from the flexible quarantine. Generally, only essential businesses and services, such as grocery stores, pharmacies, law enforcement, public utilities, and agriculture, can continue operating.

Authorities are likely to enforce relaxed radical restrictions March 22-28. Under the strict quarantine, only essential businesses and services, such as grocery stores, pharmacies, law enforcement, public utilities, and agriculture, can continue operating. Officials have also emphasized that all public events, including marches, are suspended.

Some nationwide measures remain in place regardless of which phase of the 7+7 plan is in effect. All residents must wear protective facemasks on public transport, inside grocery stores and pharmacies, and at healthcare facilities, airports, and ports. Bus services may operate at a maximum of 50-percent capacity. Local and regional governments could impose additional restrictions, including limiting intercity or interstate vehicular travel; enhanced measures are especially likely in border areas.

Fuel Distribution Restrictions
Officials have been enforcing a fuel distribution system since October 2020 amid the country's continued fuel shortage crisis. Individuals may only purchase fuel according to the last number of one's license plate number. The following schedule has been announced:

• March 15: Vehicles with license plates ending in 3 and 4 are permitted.

• March 16: Vehicles with license plates ending in 5 and 6 are permitted.

• March 17: Vehicles with license plates ending in 7 and 8 are permitted.

• March 18: Vehicles with license plates ending in 9 and 0 are permitted.

• March 19: Vehicles with license plates ending in 1 and 2 are permitted.

• March 20: Vehicles with license plates ending in 3 and 4 are permitted.

• March 21: Vehicles with license plates ending in 5 and 6 are permitted.

The restrictions are likely to be continually extended for the foreseeable future and are likely to follow on from the above schedule.

International and Domestic Travel
Most international and domestic passenger flights remain banned until further notice. Only authorized commercial international flights to and from the Dominican Republic, Panama, Bolivia, Mexico, and Turkey are permitted. Cargo, emergency, and humanitarian flights have been exempt from the ban. Officials have also permitted repatriation flights for Venezuelan citizens from abroad. Additionally, the land borders remain closed except for cargo transport.

All passengers entering Venezuela must present a negative COVID-19 test taken within 48 hours before arrival. All persons entering the country may be subject to additional testing upon arrival and may be subject to quarantine protocols.

All measures are subject to amendment at short notice. Authorities may reapply or further ease restrictions within the flexible periods depending on local COVID-19 activity. In addition to the border municipalities, other states or localized communities could have highly targeted measures reimposed during the flexible quarantine period if confirmed case numbers increase significantly.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Reconfirm all travel arrangements. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions.

Resources

World Health Organization (WHO)
Office of the President of Venezuela (Spanish)