Paraguay: Authorities extend coronavirus disease-related restrictions, including the nightly 0001-0500 curfew, through at least Dec 20 /update 22

Event

Health officials in Paraguay extended entrance and movement restrictions imposed to curb the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) through at least Dec. 20. The restrictions are in place throughout the country, excluding the Caacupe District, where separate local restrictions remain in place until at least Dec. 16.

International Travel
All passengers are required to complete the Traveler's Health Declaration Form within 24 hours before entering the country. The following restrictions on entrance are also in effect:

• Nonresident Foreign Nationals: Travelers aged 10 and over must present proof of a negative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test taken within 72 hours before arrival to be permitted entry. Travelers from countries without MERCOSUR membership or association must also provide proof of international health insurance; this requirement excludes travelers from Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay, as well as Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Peru, and Suriname.
• Nationals and Foreign Residents: Travelers must also present proof of a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours before arrival. Authorities will, however, permit entry without a test result if the traveler takes a COVID-19 test within 24 hours after arrival and remains in isolation until the results are confirmed. Persons who test positive must complete a 10-day self-quarantine.

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.

Domestic Restrictions 
While authorities have updated a list of permitted activities, most commercial and personal activities remain subject to the following restrictions:

• Individual movements and most nonessential commercial operations are to remain limited to 0500-2359 daily. Common areas are to remain closed.
• 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. 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.
• Amateur sports practice with groups of up to 14 people is permitted for persons between the ages of 18-65. Sports tournaments and the sale of alcohol at sports facilities are prohibited.
• Events, practices, and other activities in the cultural and creative sectors may resume 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, on public roads, on public transport, and in places where physical distancing is not possible. Violators will be fined.

Caacupe District
Officials are enforcing stricter measures in Caacupe District through Dec. 16 to prevent the spread of COVID-19 during the Virgin of Caacupe holiday and pilgrimage period. Most national-level restrictions remain in place, except individual movements and most nonessential commercial operations are to remain limited to 0500-2300 daily. Activities in the cultural and creative sectors may resume with a maximum of up to 50 people together at a time. Local officials will work with the national police to regulate the entry of persons from other regions in the country, as well as to restrict movements in public spaces. All minors are to be accompanied by an adult in public spaces.

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.

Resources

World Health Organization (WHO)