Brazil: Authorities likely to maintain current nationwide travel restrictions through mid-January due to COVID-19 /update 23

Event

As part of ongoing efforts to reopen the economy amid the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, authorities in Brazil are likely to maintain current measures and travel restrictions through at least mid-January. Officials in the state of Minas Gerais move Centro, Oeste, and Centro Sul, into the most restrictive phase of recovery.

Internal Measures
Domestically, local authorities have implemented their own economic recovery plans in each of the country's 26 states and the federal district. Restrictions and measures vary depending on the state; some cities are also empowered to enforce their own actions. Commercial activity has largely resumed in most parts of the country, albeit subject to operating protocols and capacity limits. The use of facemasks is also required in various areas. Rio de Janeiro is already in an advanced recovery stage, allowing restaurants, bars, gyms, cinemas, tourist sites, religious services, and personal care businesses to operate. Some states that are still implementing recovery plans are:

Sao Paulo: Authorities maintain a five-tier economic recovery plan that permits businesses and entertainment and recreational facilities to operate up to 12 hours with up to 60-percent occupancy in Phase 4 (Green) and up to eight hours with 40-percent capacity in Phase 3 (Yellow). Cultural activities, conventions, and social or business events are permitted in Phase 4. As of Jan. 4, the entire state of Sao Paulo, except Presidente Prudente, is in Phase 3. No region in the state is currently on Phase 5. Presidente Prudente is in Phase 1, the most restrictive. Authorities continue to urge all persons to remain at home except to perform essential tasks, and large group events are banned.
Minas Gerais: Authorities are following a three-tiered economic recovery plan. As of Jan. 4, the macro-region of Triangulo do Sul is in the least restrictive Green Phase of recovery. Noroeste, Sudeste, and Triangulo do Norte are in the Yellow Phase of recovery, which places additional restrictions on some activities and establishments, including fairs, schools, cinemas, and parks. Nordeste, Leste, Centro, Cetro Sul Oeste, Vale do Aco, Leste do Sul, Sudeste, and Jequitinhonha are in the Red Phase of recovery, the most restrictive, in which only essential businesses are permitted to operate.
Mato Grosso do Sul: Officials have implemented a statewide 2200-0500 nightly curfew until at least Jan. 9.
Parana: Officials have implemented a statewide 2300-0500 nightly curfew until at least Jan. 7.

State and municipal officials could continue to modify their local restrictions, depending on local disease activity and government preparedness to respond to the disease. All restrictions are subject to amendment at short notice.

Travel Restrictions
All flights originating in or transiting through the UK remain banned until further notice. Officials stated that the measure is due to the spread of a variant strain of COVID-19 detected in the UK. In addition, all foreign travelers who have been in the UK in the preceding 14 days of Dec. 25 will be barred from boarding Brazil-bound flights.

All travelers entering Brazil by air must present a negative real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction test (RT-PCR) taken 72 hours before travel and must complete a pre-arrival health form.

Nonresident foreign nationals remain prohibited from entering the country by land and water, except as specified otherwise. Brazilian citizens, permanent residents, and their immediate family members, as well as foreign residents working for international organizations or foreign governments, or who are traveling for trade or humanitarian purposes, are exempt from the ban.

Apart from the overarching land border closures and as part of a joint agreement, the land border crossings with Paraguay - specifically at Foz do Iguacu, Ponta Pora, and Mundo Novo - are open. Foreign citizens are allowed to enter Brazil by air for visits of no longer than 90 days.

All restrictions are subject to amendment at short notice.

Advice

Strictly heed the instructions of authorities. Abide by local health and safety measures. Confirm appointments and travel arrangements.

Emphasize basic health precautions, especially frequent handwashing with soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are unavailable. Practice good coughing/sneezing etiquette (i.e., covering coughs and sneezes with a disposable tissue, maintaining distance from others, and washing hands). There is no evidence that the influenza vaccine, antibiotics, or antiviral medications will prevent this disease, highlighting the importance of diligent basic health precautions.