Chile: Authorities tighten COVID-19 restrictions /update 66

Event

Authorities have announced new COVID-19 regulations, effective April 5, that will significantly restrict travel to and movement in the country. Under the new measures, nonresident foreigners will be prohibited from entry to Chile unless they have been specially authorized to enter by the Chilean diplomatic mission in their country. Under this regulation, the drivers of cargo trucks may continue to enter Chile, but only if they present negative results of a PCR test taken within 72 hours of arrival. Such drivers will also undergo an antigen test upon entry and will be required to enter quarantine if they test positive. These restrictions will be in place until at least May 5.

Both Chileans and resident foreigners will likewise be prohibited from leaving Chile April 5-May 5 except if authorized to do so for emergency purposes, such as seeking treatment for an urgent medical issue or carrying out work that the government considers to be essential to Chilean national interests.

The modified restrictions also broaden the nationwide curfew, which will change from 22:00-05:00 to 21:00-05:00 April 5. During curfew hours, all persons must remain in their homes. Persons over the age of 75 must stay in their homes at all times; exceptions are in place for limited outings and depending on COVID-19 activity levels in the area.

In an effort to reduce gatherings of people shopping, the new restrictions also temporarily ban the retail sale of some items, such as clothing and cosmetics, April 5-20. The regulations also modify the legal definitions of essential workers and essential domestic goods and services to be more restrictive, reduce the ability of multiple people per household to conduct essential shopping on weekends, and further limit the number of people who may attend religious services.

These measures are in addition to other, recently announced emergency restrictions that remain in place. Notably, several of Chile's major metropolitan areas have been cordoned off, with entry and exit from them prohibited to all those who do not possess a safe conduct pass. These areas include the Santiago Metropolitan Region, the greater Valparaiso area, the greater Concepcion area, and the urban area of Temuco and Padre Las Casas. Valparaiso Region is likewise cordoned off from other regions.

Other restrictions, including a multiphase quarantine system, also remain in effect. Specific restrictions on movement vary by location and intensity based on local disease activity. In areas under Phase-1 quarantines, all individuals must remain in their homes every day unless they possess a safe-conduct pass. For those under Phase-2 quarantines, individuals must stay in their homes during weekends and holidays unless they have a safe-conduct pass. Some locations have advanced to Phase 3 or 4 with no quarantine mandates; in these areas, authorities continue to enforce nationwide restrictions and nonquarantine orders, such as school closures and capacity limits on business operations. Persons in areas under Phase-1 quarantine orders cannot travel to other regions of the country. Residents of areas under Phase-2 quarantine orders are permitted one trip to another location provided the destination is not under a Phase-1 quarantine order; the traveler must have his/her public health passport during the travel. Those in areas not under quarantine orders may not enter areas that are subject to quarantines.

Individuals diagnosed with COVID-19 must quarantine for 14 days or until they no longer present symptoms, whichever is longer. Anyone who has had at least 15 minutes of face-to-face contact or prolonged exposure (two or more hours in a shared home, hotel, or office) with a person confirmed to have COVID-19 must quarantine for at least 14 days.

All persons must wear facemasks while in public, including at parks, on mass transit vehicles, and in elevators. Health officials recommend medical-grade masks, but improvised or homemade coverings are permitted as long as they cover both the nose and mouth. All persons must also adhere to social distancing standards by keeping at least one meter (three feet) away from others. Exceptions are in place for individuals sharing vehicles and residences or engaged in work or other activities where maintaining such a distance is impossible.

Authorities could reimpose, extend, further ease, or otherwise amend any restrictions with little-to-no notice depending on disease activity over the coming weeks.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all travel arrangements. Consider delaying traveling if experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19, as they may prompt increased scrutiny and delays. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions. Reconsider and reconfirm nonemergency health appointments. Plan for queues and delays at available shopping centers.

Resources

World Health Organization (WHO)
Resolutions on COVID-19 Measures
Required Travel Documents
Information on the Phased Restriction System