Ecuador: Authorities continue enforcing COVID-19 border closures and local mobility restrictions as of mid-March /update 22

Event

Authorities in Ecuador will likely continue to enforce a degree of restrictions through March to curb the spread of COVID-19. At the national level, authorities continue to urge all individuals to practice social distancing. The use of facemasks in public spaces is mandatory. Officials also continue to enforce international travel and entry restrictions as part of the country's pandemic response. The following measures are in place:

Domestic Measures
Nationally, all schools are to remain closed to in-person teaching, and teleworking policies will remain in effect until at least April 13. 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, as well as access to entertainment and recreational facilities.

In Quito, commercial establishments and public transport are limited to 50-percent operating capacity, while cinemas, theaters, and auditoriums are limited to 30 percent. Under the "Hoy no Circula" vehicular restrictions in place through March 31, restrictions will be enforced as follows between 0600-2000 on weekdays:

• Mondays: Plates ending in 0, 1, 2, and 3 may not circulate.

• Tuesdays: Plates ending in 2, 3, 4, and 5 may not circulate.

• Wednesdays: Plates ending in 4, 5, 6, and 7 may not circulate.

• Thursdays: Plates ending in 6, 7, 8, and 9 may not circulate.

• Fridays: Plates ending in 8, 9, 0, and 1 may not circulate.

All vehicles are permitted to circulate 2000-0559, as well as on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays.

International Travel
Ecuador's land and sea borders remain closed to passenger traffic until further notice; however, international air travel continues as of March 16. All air arrivals must present a negative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) COVID-19 test taken within 10 days before departure. Travelers without a negative result will be subject to an antigen test upon arrival. If the test is positive, the traveler must complete a 10-day self-quarantine. Nonresidents must complete the quarantine at a government-regulated hotel or accommodation. Persons who present a negative PCR test and who do not have COVID-19 symptoms are exempt from quarantine; however, airport officials will randomly select passengers for testing upon arrival. Persons who test positive will also be subject to quarantine protocols.

Authorities could reimpose, extend, tighten, or otherwise amend any restrictions with little-to-no notice depending on local disease activity.

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.

Resources

World Health Organization (WHO)
Coronavirus Ecuador (Spanish)
Map of Color-Coded Municipalities (Spanish)