RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – After registering a new increase in cases, including the proliferation of the new Omicron variant, Ecuador is once again establishing substantial internal restrictions that will also have an impact on tourism activity. The toughest of them is the suspension of all events, public or private, and the mandatory use of a vaccination certificate for non-essential venues.
On December 21st, 903 new cases of COVID-19 were registered in Ecuador, among them 22 of the new variant Omicron, and four deaths due to the virus, a situation which worries the national government because of the possibility of a new wave, while it is trying to advance in the vaccination plan.
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Given this scenario, the National Emergency Operations Committee (COE) announced strong restrictive measures throughout the country, valid from December 23rd to January 23rd, 2022, in an attempt to contain this advance while urging the population to be extremely careful and, above all, to get vaccinated.
The restriction that could affect the industry the most is the total suspension of all public and private events, including MICE-related activities, bars, discos, shows and concerts, processions, other religious gatherings, and popular festivities.
This decision is considered drastic, considering that at this time of the year, the burning of “monigotes”, dolls symbolizing the old year, is celebrated in the neighborhoods. It is a very popular celebration, which can only be carried out in family environments now.
Likewise, a 50% capacity is established for restaurants, temples, entertainment fairs, cinemas, theaters, spas, and wellness centers; and 75% for beaches (only from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.), museums, markets, shopping malls, banks, and public offices.
Finally, and in this sense, the homologation of national vaccination certificates with those of its neighbor, Colombia, is ratified.