Chile: Officials in Chile amend coronavirus-related restrictions as of Dec. 2 /update 37

Event

As of Dec. 2, officials in Chile have amended national and local restrictions put in place to limit the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Specific measures imposed vary by location and intensity based on local disease activity. A multiphase quarantine system remains in effect. 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 possess a safe-conduct pass. Some locations have advanced to Phase 3 or Phase 4, under which there are no quarantine mandates; in these areas, nationwide restrictions remain in effect and nonquarantine orders, such as capacity limits in businesses and school closures, continue to be enforced.

Nationwide

A nightly 0001-0500 curfew is in effect indefinitely; residents must remain in their homes during curfew hours. All persons over the age of 75 must stay in their homes; exceptions are in place for limited outings and depending on COVID-19 activity levels in the area. Events with more than 50 people remain prohibited. Nonessential businesses, including theaters, bars, and public gymnasiums, are closed until further notice. Restaurants may only operate for delivery or carryout services; seated dining remains banned.

Those traveling to the country must fill out a health questionnaire before departure. Nonresident foreigners must present negative results from a COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test taken no more than 72 hours before departure and purchase a health insurance policy that will cover at least USD 30,000 of COVID-19-related medical costs in Chile.

Chilean citizens and residents may enter without taking a PCR test but must quarantine for 14 days if they do so. All persons must fill out a form reporting on their health daily for their first 14 days in Chile. Until further notice, Arturo Merino Benitez International Airport (SCL) in Santiago will be the only airport accepting foreign nationals arriving from abroad.

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 parks, mass transit vehicles, and 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 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.

Santiago Metropolitan Region

The boroughs of La Granja, Lo Espejo, Los Rios Paillaco, and San Joaquin are under a Phase-2 quarantine.

Araucania Region

The boroughs of Cholchol, Curarrehue, Freire, Lautaro, Padre Las Casas, and Temuco are under a Phase-1 quarantine.  The boroughs of Angol, Collipulli, Galvarino, Los Sauces, Perquenco, Tolten, Traiguen, and Vilcun are under a Phase-2 quarantine.

Bio-Bio Region

The boroughs of Canete and Curanilahue are under a Phase-1 quarantine. The boroughs of Arauco, Chiguayante, Concepcion, Florida, Hualpen, Hualqui, Lebu, Los Alamos, Los Angeles, Nacimiento, Negrete, San Pedro de la Paz, Santa Juana, Talcahuano, and Tome are under Phase-2 quarantines. The boroughs of Concepcion, Coronel, Chiguayante, Hualpen, Hualqui, Lota, Penco, San Pedro de la Paz, Talcahuano, and Tome are under an expanded curfew requiring residents to remain at home 2000-0500 nightly.

Los Lagos Region

The boroughs of Ancud, Calbuco, Chonchi, Los Muermos, Maullin, Puerto Montt, Puqueldon, Queilen, and Quemchi are under a Phase-1 quarantine. The boroughs of Castro, Curaco de Velez, Dalcahue, Hualaihue, Osorno, Puerto Varas, Purranque, Quinchao, Rio Negro, and San Juan de la Costa are under a Phase-2 quarantine. Chiloe Province remains cordoned off, with no one being allowed to enter or leave except for persons in possession of a safe-conduct pass. Osorno and Puerto Montt are under an expanded curfew requiring residents to remain at home 2000-0500 nightly. Persons entering or exiting the region must undergo health screening and present an affidavit attesting to their health and travel history at established checkpoints. Persons entering Chiloe Island from any point of departure, or entering or exiting Ancud, must undergo health screening and present an affidavit detailing their health and travel history. Public transportation throughout the region may only operate at 50-percent capacity; the number of passengers allowed in taxis remains restricted.

Los Rios Region

The boroughs of Futrono, Los Lagos, and Valdivia are under a Phase-1 quarantine. The boroughs of Lago Ranco, Lanco, La Union, Panguipulli, and Rio Bueno are under a Phase-2 quarantine.

Magallanes Region

The boroughs of Natales and Punta Arenas are under a Phase-1 quarantine. The borough of Porvenir is under a Phase-2 quarantine. The urban area of Punta Arenas remains cordoned off, with no one being allowed to enter or leave, except for persons in possession of a safe-conduct pass. The city of Puerto Williams remains cordoned off, with no one being allowed to enter or leave, except for persons in possession of a safe-conduct pass. Natales, Porvenir, and Punta Arenas under an expanded curfew requiring residents to remain at home 2000-0500 nightly. Persons entering the region must undergo health screening and present an affidavit detailing their health and travel history at established checkpoints throughout the Strait of Magellan area.

Maule Region

The borough of Parral is under a Phase-2 quarantine. Authorities have set up checkpoints on Route J-30, Route J-60, Route J-70, Route M-80, Route M-910, Route 5 South, and Route 126. All persons crossing the checkpoints must have their temperature taken and submit to any further medical examination authorities deem necessary to check for symptoms of COVID-19. Additionally, authorities have banned events of 50 or more people and prohibited all religious gatherings.

Nuble Region

The urban areas of Chillan and Chillan Viejo are under a Phase-2 quarantine, as is the borough of Quillon. Tarapaca Region The borough of Iquique is under a Phase-2 quarantine. 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.

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.