Ecuador: Authorities update COVID-19-related domestic measures as of Feb. 11 /update 39

Event

As of Feb. 11, authorities in Ecuador are maintaining a three-tier traffic light system to classify locations based on local levels of COVID-19 activity and impose restrictions accordingly. Officials will update the list of locations weekly. Additionally, individuals ages five and older must now present proof of vaccination to board public transport. Other previously imposed restrictions, including international travel, remain unchanged.

Domestic Measures
Authorities divide locations in Ecuador into three risk levels under the traffic light system, including green (low risk), yellow (medium risk), and red (high risk). According to the color-coded risk designations effective through Feb. 16, most areas are under the yellow alert level.

Restrictions and locations under each risk level include:

• Green Alert: Supermarkets, financial and public services, public transport, higher education institutions, restaurants, bars, and most other businesses may operate at 75 percent capacity. In-person classes are allowed for primary education; preschool classes may occur according to Ministry of Education regulations. Some 35 locations, including Camilo Ponce Enriquez, Catamayo, Esmeraldas, Ibarra, Latacunga, La Libertad, Mocha, Naranjal, and Riobamba, remain under this alert level as of Feb. 11.

• Yellow Alert: Supermarkets, financial and public services, public transport, higher education institutions, restaurants, bars, and most other businesses may operate at 50 percent capacity. Preschool education is suspended, while primary school education may continue with hybrid classes. Most of the country, including Quito, the capital, as well as Ambato, Babahoyo, Cuenca, Guaranda, Guayaquil, Loja, Machala, Manta, Milagro, Portoviejo, Quevedo, Santa Isabel, and Santo Domingo, is classified under this alert level as of Feb. 11.

• Red Alert: Supermarkets, financial and public services, public transport, higher education institutions, restaurants, bars, and most other businesses may operate at 30 percent capacity. Additional industry-specific measures, such as restrictions on working hours, also apply. Preschool education is suspended, while primary school classes may only occur online. As of Feb. 11, 21 locations, including Biblian, Colimes, Duran, Guamote, Mocache, Montecristi, Morona, Palenque, and Pucara, remain under this alert level.

In general, all individuals over 12 years of age must show proof of being fully vaccinated to enter any nonessential business. Individuals must wear a facemask in public settings.

International Travel Restrictions
The government maintains a ban on travel for foreign visitors arriving from or who have transited through Botswana, Egypt, Eswatini, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, or Zimbabwe due to concerns over the Omicron strain of COVID-19.

The following pandemic-related requirements also remain in effect for persons arriving in Ecuador by air:

• Travelers ages two and older must present a negative result from an RT-PCR test to enter the country; the test must be taken no more than 72 hours before departure for Ecuador.

• Visitors ages 16 and older must also show proof of having been inoculated with a full course of an approved COVID-19 vaccine at least 14 days before departure for the country.

• Passengers presenting COVID-19 symptoms are subject to testing upon arrival. Those receiving a positive test result are subject to quarantine for up to 14 days. Nonresidents must complete the quarantine period at a hotel at their own expense.

• Passengers must present a completed Traveler Health Declaration form upon arrival. To view the form, click here.

• Travelers who have arrived from or have transited through India must complete a 10-day quarantine period upon arrival.

All restrictions are subject to amendment at short 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)
Ecuadorian National Risk and Emergency Management Service (Spanish)
Color-Coded COVID-19 Risk Classification Table, Feb. 9-16 (Spanish)