Critical Alert
Honduras extends nationwide coronavirus disease-related curfew and movement restrictions through Oct. 18. Restrictions on land borders.
Alert Begins 12 Oct 2020 10:17 AM UTC
Alert Expires 19 Oct 2020 11:59 PM UTC
- Incident: COVID-19 restrictions
- Location(s): Nationwide
- Time Frame: Indefinite
- Impact: Major transport and commercial disruptions, increased police presence
Summary
Authorities in Honduras have extended the existing nationwide curfew and other movement restrictions until 2300 Oct. 18, while maintaining restrictions on land border crossings, as part of the ongoing coronavirus disease (COVID-19) response plan. Residents will still only be allowed to leave their homes for permitted activities 0600-2000, depending on the last digit of the individual's national identification card, legal residency card, or passport, based on the following schedule:
- Oct. 12: The last digit is 2 and 3
- Oct. 13: The last digit is 4 and 5
- Oct. 14: The last digit is 6 and 7
- Oct. 15: The last digit is 8 and 9
- Oct. 16: The last digit is 0 and 1
- Oct. 17: The last digit is 2 and 3
- Oct. 18: The last digit is 4 and 5
Senior citizens, pregnant women, and persons with disabilities will have special access to authorized commercial establishments 0700-0900 and banks 0900-1000, depending on the last digit of the individual's official identification. Emergency personnel, as well as residents working in essential businesses, may circulate on additional days.
Municipal capacity limits on businesses based on local COVID-19 activity and population density that went into effect Oct. 5 remain unchanged. The following municipalities are under Phase 1 Oct. 12-18, which permits businesses to operate at 20-percent capacity:
- Choluteca Department: Orocuina, Pespire, San Antonio de Flores
- Colon Department: Bonito Oriental, Saba, Tocoa, Trujillo
- Cortes Department: Pimienta, Potrerillos
- El Paraiso Department: Danli, Moroceli
- Francisco Morazan Department: Reitoca, San Buenaventura, Santa Lucia
- Gracias a Dios Department: Brus Laguna, Puerto Lempira
- Intibuca Department: Intibuca, La Esperanza
- La Paz Department: La Paz, San Jose, Santa Maria
- Ocotepeque Department: Ocotepeque, Sinuapa
- Olancho Department: Juticalpa
- Santa Barbara Department: Las Vegas, Trinidad
- Valle Department: Amapala, Langue, Nacaome, San Francisco de Coray, San Lorenzo
The rest of the country is under Phase 2 of reopening. Under this phase, businesses may operate at 40, 60, or 80 percent depending on which region they fall under. Some of the country's major urban centers, such as Tegucigalpa and San Pedro Sula, fall under the region that only permits businesses to operate at 40-percent capacity.
All persons are required to wear facemasks in public. Officials have ordered authorized businesses to ensure that customers have covered their mouths and noses, use hand sanitizer, practice social distancing, and do not have a fever. National police will continue to enforce the movement restrictions. Some establishments, facilities, and activities remain suspended or closed nationwide, including urban and interurban public transport, bars, discos, cinemas, gyms, theaters, sports events, convention centers, and educational centers. There is also a ban on private gatherings of more than 10 people.
International and Domestic Travel
International flights from all four international airports resumed Aug. 17, while domestic commercial flights started Aug. 10. All incoming international travelers are required to complete the immigration precheck form and must present a negative COVID-19 test upon arrival, taken within 72 hours before departure. Officials previously announced the gradual reopening of the land borders between Oct. 9-12 for authorized official visits, business, investment and tourism; however, the land borders will fully reopen to passenger travel and private vehicles Oct. 18-27, and officials intend to reopen all ports of entry to international passenger movements by the end of October. Cargo transportation is continuing. All measures are subject to amendment at short notice.
Background and Analysis
The COVID-19 response and recovery plans implemented by Honduran authorities are similar to actions taken by other governments globally in response to the COVID-19 outbreak, which the World Health Organization (WHO) declared a pandemic March 11. Should the number of COVID-19 cases significantly increase, relaxed restrictions may be reapplied. Likewise, a continued low number of cases may result in further relaxation of restrictions.
Advice
Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all travel arrangements. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions.
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.
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