Italy: Authorities suspend flights from Brazil through Jan. 31 following discovery of a new COVID-19 variant /update 32

Event

Authorities in Italy have suspended flights from Brazil until Jan. 31 following the discovery of a new coronavirus disease (COVID-19) variant. The new variant, which scientists have called P1, was discovered in Brazil on Jan. 13. Travelers who have transited Brazil within 14 days prior to arriving in Italy will be prohibited from entering the country.

Authorities have also extended Italy's state of emergency, enabling them to introduce extraordinary measures to combat the spread of COVID-19 until April 30. A ban on travel between regions remains in force until at least Feb. 15, except for essential reasons such as work, family, and health purposes. Additionally, the following measures will be in place nationwide until March 5:

A 2200-0500 curfew is in effect, during which time individuals must remain at home unless performing essential tasks. Anyone leaving their home for essential reasons must fill out a self-declaration form.
Individuals must wear facemasks in all outdoor and indoor public spaces, including in schools and workplaces. Children under the age of six are exempt from this requirement.
Up to two people may visit another home within their region once a day.
Restaurants and bars must close at 1800 daily; takeaway services remain permitted until 2200.

In addition to the national-level measures, Italy employs a three-tier color-coded system for tracking COVID-19 activity at the local level and implementing restrictions accordingly. The levels comprising the system are 'yellow,' orange,' and 'red,' in increasing order of infection risk.

In 'red' regions, officials prohibit all movement between and within municipalities except for work, study, health, or other essential reasons. Most nonessential businesses are closed. Catering establishments may only offer takeaway services between 0500-2200. In 'orange' regions, movement between regions remains prohibited except for work, study, health, and other essential reasons. Catering establishments may only offer takeaway services between 0500-2200. Individuals conducting restricted travel for essential reasons in orange and red zones must fill out a self-declaration form to be presented to authorities on request. 'Yellow' regions are subject to national level restrictions only. Authorities review the situation weekly and revise region categories every 15 days should the situation warrant.

International Travel Restrictions
Travelers from the UK are barred from entry unless they are legal residents of Italy or are traveling for an essential reason; such essental reasons must be declared in writing. Travelers must present proof of having tested negative for COVID-19; the test must have been taken no more than 72 hours before departing for Italy. Travelers must also take a COVID-19 test on arrival. Regardless of the test results, travelers from the UK must report to their local health authorities in Italy and self-isolate for at least 14 days.

Aside from the UK-specific measures, other international entry restrictions remain in force. Travel from outside the EEA, Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Rwanda, Singapore, South Korea is currently prohibited except when conducted for study, proven work needs, or urgent health or family reasons. All permitted arrivals, except those from San Marino and Vatican City, must fill out a self-declaration form prior to arrival. Arrivals from the EEA and Switzerland must have proof of a negative COVID-19 test carried out in the previous 48 hours; all other permitted arrivals must self-isolate for 14 days. Transport and health workers, individuals in transit through Italy, and those staying in Italy for less than 120 hours (five days) for work reasons are exempt.

Authorities could reimpose, extend, further tighten, or otherwise amend any restrictions with little-to-no notice depending on disease activity over the coming weeks, particularly in response to developments regarding the newly-discovered COVID-19 strain.

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.

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.