What is the COVID-19 situation in South America?

With the global coronavirus outbreak changing day by day, it is hard for anyone to keep track of the current measures that governments are taking. The most important questions that we keep getting are: can you travel to Ecuador, Colombia, or Peru? And, what other measures have these Andean countries taken to prevent further spreading of the coronavirus?

We have listed the measures that affect travelers below. For citizens or people with a residency in these countries, other rules may apply.

ECUADOR & GALAPAGOS

# of confirmed cases: 30,502

Starting from the 4th of May, the Ecuadorian government initiated a stage of distancing as opposed to isolation but delegated the final decision to implement this stage per province to the local municipalities. 

A mandatory curfew from 2 PM to 5 AM is still in place in the majority of Ecuador, including the main cities Quito and Guayaquil. From 7 AM to 1:59 PM, mobility is reduced to essential activities such as purchases of food and medicine.

Borders are still closed to all travelers (flights arriving in Ecuador, as well as land and sea transportation), and there are only a few humanitarian flights allowed. Airports and bus terminals remain closed but it was recently announced by the authorities that a plan is being developed for the reactivation of all air operations in all of the Ecuadorian territory from the 1st of June onwards.

Public and private gatherings where usually many people come together are suspended. This includes religious processions, events, museums, concerts, theaters, etc.

Restaurants and cafes are closed, but many of them are now offering takeaway versions of their menu or delivery services in order to reactivate their businesses.

Supermarkets and pharmacies are open, as well as regular grocery shops which are considered part of the essential products that people need.

All national parks have restricted access and city parks remain closed in big cities such as Quito.

City and inter-city transportation is interrupted and special routes are available for essential workers.

The Galapagos islands remain shut and isolated to the rest of the country and the world.

COLOMBIA

# of confirmed cases: 13,610

The country remains in a nationwide quarantine.  Inbound international commercial flights are suspended, except for humanitarian flights, while intercity flights are now allowed.

Borders are closed to all travelers entering the country from Monday the 16th of March until further notice. The ports of Santa Marta and Cartagena are closed to cruise ships.

Many national parks and places where indigenous people live have restricted access or are closed until further notice. The Sierra Nevada and Tayrona Park are closed to avoid the virus infecting the indigenous population.

PERU

# of confirmed cases: 80,604

Nationwide curfew from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. and all private vehicles are banned from the roads. 

All borders (land, air, and maritime) are closed from Monday the 17th of March until further notice. Cruise ships cannot dock in Peru.

Gatherings of over 300 people are suspended. This includes religious processions, events, museums, concerts, theaters, etc.

Supermarkets and pharmacies are open, as are shops for primary necessities and banks.

Public transportation is down to 50% of its regular schedule, and have to take hygienic precautions like disinfecting buses regularly.