In Belize, the government announced on 23 March 2020, the closure of Philip Goldson International Airport (MZBZ/BZE), the country’s only international airport, until further notice, in an attempt to curb the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). On 21 March, the government closed the northern border, which includes the Corozal Free Zone. Cargo trucks and aircraft are exempt from the orders.
In Brazil, the governor of the São Paulo state announced that a 15-day quarantine would commence on 24 March for the state’s 645 municipalities. The announcement came after the state’s capital city São Paulo realized six additional virus-related deaths in one day, bringing the total to 15 COVID-19 fatalities in Brazil’s most populous state with 46 million residents. The order requires the closure of all shopping centers and gyms within the metropolitan regions of the state, and recommends the suspension of religious services such as celebrations of Mass. Businesses such as supermarkets, bakeries, pharmacies, restaurants, gas stations, convenience stores and pet product shops, as well as open markets, are expected to continue operations. Overall, Brazil has 1,619 confirmed cases of the virus.
Bolivia’s government imposed a 14-day nationwide quarantine on 22 March, which went into effect at 0000 local time (0400 UTC). Supermarkets, hospitals, banks and pharmacies will operate normally, but only one member of each household will be permitted to leave their residence to go to such stores. Authorities previously closed Bolivia’s borders, suspended all international fights and instituted a nationwide nightly curfew from 1700-0500 local time.
In Chile, the government imposed a nationwide nightly curfew on 22 March from 2200-0500 local time (0100-0800 UTC) until further notice. In addition, local quarantines or “sanitary cordons” have been implemented for the towns of Chillan, all of Chiloe Island and Puerto Williams. Security forces have assumed effective control of the communities of Las Condes, Providencia and Vitacura — which are all within the Santiago metropolitan area — in order to ensure Chilean citizens and foreign nationals comply with mandatory self-quarantine procedures and social distancing guidelines. All foreign visitors and Chilean nationals who arrived in Chile before authorities banned all entry into the country on 18 March are required to self-quarantine for 14 days.
Colombia’s President Iván Duque announced that a nationwide quarantine will be implemented in Colombia beginning at 2359 local time on 24 March (0459 UTC on 25 March) until at least through 12 April. Limited exceptions will be in place for essential personnel, including medical workers and emergency responders. Colombia imposed the suspension of international traffic at all airports as of 0000 local on 23 March; while departing flights remain operational, travelers were advised to confirm existing flight itineraries and prepare for possible cancellations or delays. In addition, all non-resident foreign travelers are prohibited from entering Colombia for a period of 30 days, effective 23 March; travelers who enter the country will be subject to mandatory quarantine for 14 days.
In Cuba, the government announced that it will ban foreign travelers from entering the country, effective 23 March. Airlines carrying Cuban nationals and residents are exempt. The closure is planned to last for 30 days. The government also mandated the closure of campsites and placed restrictions on hotels, restaurants and bars.
In Paraguay, the government imposed a nationwide ban on nonessential movement from 20-28 March. Exceptions exist for essential workers and for travel to grocery stores, pharmacies and transport to hospital facilities. In addition, all non-citizen or non-resident arrivals were banned from entry from 18-30 March.
In Trinidad and Tobago, the government suspended all international flights to and from the country as of 0000 local time (0400 UTC) on 22 March 2020 until further notice. The ban does not apply to cargo vessels and aircraft.
