Paraguay: Authorities announce revised coronavirus disease-related restrictions as of Dec. 21 /update 24

Health officials in Paraguay announce revised COVID-19-related restrictions Dec. 21. Nightly 2359-0500 movement restrictions remain.

Event

Health officials in Paraguay announced revised measures to combat the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) as of Dec. 21. Under the new directives, all persons who have been in the UK within the past 14 days are prohibited from entering Paraguay. Additionally, all travelers arriving in the country must present negative results of a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) COVID-19 test taken with 72 hours of departure. Persons arriving will then be required to enter a 10-day quarantine period. These measures will remain in effect until at least Jan. 4. Travelers must still complete the Traveler's Health Declaration Form 24 hours before entering the country.

Individual movements and most nonessential commercial operations remain limited to 0500-2359 daily, except Dec. 24-25 and Dec. 31-Jan. 1, when movements will be permitted until 0100. Other measures include:

The sale of alcohol is banned between 2200-0500, except at restaurants.
Access to public pools, beaches, and spas is suspended.
Amateur group sports that involve physical contact are suspended. Outdoor exercise is permitted in groups of up to four people.
Dance activities are suspended at all events.
Public sector operations must follow a staggered schedule with 50-percent staff capacity.
Restaurants and other food establishments may operate between 0500-2359, by reservation only. Dance and bar areas are to remain closed.
Home delivery and call center services, as well as pharmacies, may operate 24 hours.
Religious activities are permitted with a maximum of 100 people indoors and 150 people outdoors, with individuals maintaining 2 meters (6 feet) between each other.
Social events in public and private spaces are permitted with individuals maintaining 2 meters (6 feet) between each other for up to four hours, with no dancing. Social events in the home are limited to 12 people only.
Most face-to-face classes remain suspended, except for a few exceptions.
Interdepartmental travel is permitted without restriction.
Events, practices, and other activities in the cultural and creative sectors are permitted with a maximum of up to 75 people together at a time.
Children's events, as well as wakes and funeral services, may be held subject to government protocols.

All businesses and individuals are required to adhere to strict social distancing protocols and enhanced sanitization measures. It is mandatory to wear facemasks in closed spaces, especially where people cannot maintain 2 meters (6 feet) between each other, as well as on public roads, on public transport. Violators will be fined.

International travelers may still enter via Silvio Pettirossi International Airport (ASU), and the land borders with Brazil, specifically the crossings in Ciudad del Este, Pedro Juan Caballero, and Salto del Guaira. All other ports of entry and exit remain closed, except for repatriation and humanitarian flights, and cargo transportation.

Authorities could reimpose, extend, further ease, or otherwise amend any restrictions with little-to-no notice depending on disease activity over the coming weeks. Highly targeted localized measures could be enforced in some communities.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all travel arrangements. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance.

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.