The governments of Peru and Panama implemented nationwide curfews beginning on 18 March 2020 in order to restrict the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Meanwhile, Bolivia announced a total border closure. Additional restrictions are being enforced in Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Grenada and Guyana.
In Peru, security forces are enforcing the nightly curfew from 2000- 0500 local time (0100- 1000 UTC). During the curfew, individuals are required to remain indoors. President Martín Vizcarra stated that the curfew is intended to prevent the need to extend the 15-day period of “social isolation” that was ordered on 15 March. In Panama, the nightly curfew is in effect from 2100- 0500 local time (0200- 1000 UTC).
The government of Bolivia is enacting several measures intended to limit the spread of COVID-19, including an entry ban, flight restrictions and a curfew. Between 20 and 31 March all non-resident foreign nationals will be banned from entering the country. Beginning at 0000 local time (0400 UTC) on 21 March, all international and domestic flights will be suspended. Additionally, a nationwide nightly curfew from 1700-0500 local time went into effect on 18 March. Authorities also reduced the national work day hours to 0800-1600 local time and banned public gatherings of more than 100 people.
In Brazil, the governor of the state of Rio de Janeiro declared a state of emergency; as part of the declaration, the state government is urging bars and restaurants to reduce their capacity to 30% for 15 days, and buses and ships to reduce their capacity by 50%. It also encourages shopping malls to close and advises all people to avoid beaches and public pools. Additionally, all schools and universities suspended classes beginning on 17 March and all public events are suspended.
In Chile, President Sebastian Pinera declared a 90-day state of catastrophe beginning on 19 March. The measure gives the government enhanced powers to restrict freedom of movement and guarantee the country’s basic services and food supply. The measure provides more security for hospitals, protects supply chains for medical supplies and allows authorities to enforce quarantines.
In Colombia, President Iván Duque declared a state of emergency, which allows him to issue decrees without the prior authorization of Congress. After issuing the declaration, Duque immediately ordered the mandatory preventive isolation of all people over the age of 70 from 20 March-31 May. On 18 March Duque overturned curfews imposed by the governors and mayors and rejected the Colombian Medical Federation’s recommendation to impose mandatory quarantines nationwide. Additionally, the government has banned all international arrivals for 30 days.
In Guyana, the government has announced a ban on all international flights to the country for 14 days beginning on 18 March. Meanwhile, in Grenada, the government announced a ban on all foreign nationals arriving in the country who have recently traveled to mainland China, Italy, Iran, South Korea and Germany, France and Spain, within the last 14 days. Additionally, cruise ships have been banned from disembarking at Grenadian ports.
