Peru: Government updates provincial COVID-19 risk designations and extends restrictions through Aug. 8 /update 35

Event

Authorities in Peru have updated the COVID-19-related risk designations for the nation's various provinces and departments and have extended the associated restrictions through at least Aug. 8. Under the new ratings, the number of provinces at the Extreme Risk level has dropped from nine to zero, while the number of departments ranked at the Very High-Risk level fell from 10 to three by comparison with June 21.

Peru employs a four-tier system for tracking the COVID-19 transmission risk in individual provinces and departments and assigning restrictions accordingly. In jurisdictions designated as being at extreme risk for disease activity, curfew hours are 21:00-04:00, with the exception of Sundays when all residents must remain in their homes for the entire day. Most indoor businesses may open at a maximum of 30 percent capacity, including restaurants. In jurisdictions at very high risk of transmission, curfew hours are 22:00-04:00 daily, including on Sundays, while most businesses may open at 40 percent capacity. In high-risk locations, curfew hours have been reduced by one hour and will run between 00:01-04:00, just like the moderate risk areas. Most businesses in high-risk locations may open at 50 percent capacity, while those in moderate-risk areas may operate at 60 percent capacity.

Effective July 12, the risk designations of specific jurisdictions are as follows:

Extreme risk:

• No jurisdictions

Very high risk:

• Arequipa Department

• Moquegua Department

• Tacna Department

High risk:

• Amazonas Department

• Ancash Department

• Apurimac Department

• Ayacucho Department

• Cajamarca Department

• Cusco Department

• Huancavelica Department

• Ica Department

• Junin Department

• La Libertad Department

• Lima Department

• Pasco Department

• Puno Department

• San Martin Department

• Tumbes Department

• The Constitutional Province of Callao

Moderate Risk:

• Huanuco Department

• Lambayeque Department

• Loreto Department

• Madre de Dios Department

• Piura Department

• Ucayali Department

Nonexempt individuals outside their homes during curfew hours may be subject to questioning and arrest by police or military personnel. Private vehicles are banned from traveling on public roads on Sundays in areas designated as extreme or very high risk. Private vehicles may now travel in areas designated as high risk.

All businesses must adhere to government directives, such as enforcing social distancing guidelines, implementing enhanced sanitary procedures, and limiting operating capacity.

All foreign nationals who have been in Brazil, India, or South Africa in the past 14 days, including for short periods during layovers, are prohibited from entering Peru until at least Aug. 8. Persons with residency in Peru are exempt from this ban but will be required to quarantine for 14 days upon arrival.

Other restrictions remain unchanged. All international travelers entering the country must quarantine for 14 days unless they have a negative result from a COVID-19 antigen test taken upon arrival. Residents over the age of 65 or individuals who have preexisting medical conditions or potentially dangerous comorbidities must stay at home. Exceptions only apply when such persons are experiencing medical emergencies or require food, medicine, or financial services and have no one who can acquire such goods and services on their behalf. All gatherings, including parties and social gatherings inside private homes, are prohibited.

Officials require all persons to wear face shields that cover the eyes, nose, and mouth, and a mask covering the nose and mouth whenever they are using public transportation or flying in an aircraft. Double masking is also required to enter several indoor establishments, such as shopping centers, supermarkets, and pharmacies. All persons must also wash their hands with soap or rub disinfectant on their hands for at least 20 seconds before boarding any aircraft or public transport vehicle. Temperature checks are also mandatory, and no person with a temperature above 38 degrees Celsius (100.4 degrees Fahrenheit) may board any public transport vehicle or enter any airport or bus station. Travelers must sign an affidavit attesting to their health. Persons younger than 14 or older than 65 must sign an additional statement swearing they are abiding by the national quarantine measures.

Significant transport and business disruptions are ongoing. Authorities have deployed additional security personnel to assist in enforcing the measures that are in place.

Authorities could tighten, 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. 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

Restrictions Decree