Many countries have reacted to the news of a variant of the coronavirus in the United Kingdom, as Colombia, Chile, Peru, El Salvador and Argentina immediately said they would reinforce restrictions towards travelers coming from the UK and suspend all flights from and to the UK.
In Colombia, the main cities have implemented new rules. In Bogota, access to stores will depend on the ID (cédula) number, except for medical care and funeral services. Only one person per family is allowed to go grocery shopping. In Medellin, restrictions and curfew were only effective during the holidays period. But in Cali, the curfew is extended, as well as prohibition of alcohol sales and public consumption.
Chile has reopened its boarders in November, they had been closed since the spring. But as of December 20th, all flights from and to UK are suspended and travelers have been in the UK during the two weeks prior to their arrival are not allowed to enter the country. As of December 31st, all travelers, whether they are chilean or foreigners, have to quarantine for 10 days. However, if a PCR test taken after 7 days is negative, the quarantine can stop earlier.
In Mexico, from December 19th until January 10th, the city and federal district of Mexico are under lockdown again, all ‘non essential’ businesses are closed, as well as museas, and people are asked to stay home. Sale and public consumption of alcohol are forbidden.
In Peru, all travelers entering the country as of January 4th have to quarantine for 2 weeks, whether they are peruvian or foreigners. Those coming from a country where the new variant of coronavirus has been identified, will undergo a antigenic test upon arrival.
Venezuela announced the return of the ‘7+7’ lockdown plan, after stopping it during the month of December. As of January 4th, at midnight, until January 10th, the country will be in ‘radical lockdownr, meaning only grocery stores and pharmacies will be allowed to open. The following 7 days it will become a rflexible lockdownr, enabling other activities to reopen.
Cuba has decided to restrain entrance of travelers coming from US, Mexico, Panama, Dominican Republic, Bahamas and Haïti in order to curb the new wave of COVID-19 infections. According to the authorities, about 70 % of infections detected of the last few weeks were among tourists and travelers from international flights. As of January 10th, it will also become mandatory to show a negative PCR test (made 72 hours max prior to arrival) when entering the country.