On January 26, president of Peru Francisco Sagasti signed yet another decree on new measures to curb a second surge in COVID-19 cases, which will be in effect from January 31 to February 12, 2021. An important feature is that the new measures would remain in effect only in regions where the number of new cases and deaths is greatest. For this, all regions of Peru are divided into 3 different categories.
- Regions with the most critical situation (Spanish NIVEL EXTREMO): Ancash, Pasco, Huanuco, Junin, Huancavelica, Ica, Apurimac, Lima, Lima Metropolitana.
- Regions with a very high level of infection (Spanish: NIVEL MUY ALTO): Tumbes, Amazonas, Cajamarca, Ayacucho, Cuzco, Puno, Arequipa, Mokegua, Tacna.
- Regions with a high level of infection (Spanish NIVEL ALTO): Piura, Loreto, Lambayeque, La Libertad, San Martin, Ucayali, Madre De Dios.
Recall that the «Cordillera Escalera» Ecolodge is located in the San Martin region with the least critical situation, which allows us to work calmly, as before the new decree was issued.
What lockdown measures are in effect from January 31? First of all, the restrictions affected air transportation. In the case of local flights, all flights from the Huanuco and Jauja regions are prohibited. For passengers on local routes, it has been compulsory to provide the airline with the results of a PCR test made no later than 72 hours before departure. Peru will keep restrictions for international flights from Brazil, as well as countries of the entire European continent (including Russian Federation). For passengers arriving from other countries, it is mandatory to undergo an express test for COVID-19 at the Lima airport, as well as observe a 2-week quarantine at the hotel or at the address, which must be indicated in a special declaration.
Also, restrictions were imposed on the work of private and public organizations. They are displayed using a metric equal to the percentage of possible occupancy by visitors. For regions with a critical situation, the indicators are as follows:
| Organization type | Occupancy rate |
| Casinos, game rooms, cinemas, gyms, theaters. Open air theaters. Commercial centers, malls, shops (only takeout orders are allowed). Restaurants (only takeout orders are allowed). Churches. Libraries, museums, exhibitions, archaeological monuments. Sports clubs. |
0% |
| Grocery stores, markets, pharmacies. | 40% |
For regions with a risk level, like San Martin, where our Ecolodge is located, the indicators look like this:
| Organization type | Occupancy rate |
| Churches. | 20% |
| Casinos, game rooms, cinemas, gyms, theaters. | 30% |
| Commercial centers, malls, shops (only takeout orders are allowed). Sports clubs. |
40% |
| Open air theaters. Grocery stores, markets, pharmacies. Libraries, museums, exhibitions, archaeological monuments. Restaurants (premises). |
50% |
| Restaurants (outdoor areas). | 60% |
In addition, a curfew has been introduced. The time at which it is forbidden to go outside also varies depending on the level of spread of the coronavirus by region. Compliance with the isolation regime is monitored by the police. If the conditions of the curfew are not met, the offenders face detention for 24 hours and an administrative fine of 379 soles (around 105 US dollars).
The curfew will be in effect as follows:
- In regions with a critical situation: from 6.00 to 18.00.
- In regions with a very high level of infection: from 8.000 to 16.00.
- In the regions with the most favorable situation (including the San Martin region, where the «Cordillera Escalera» Ecolodge is located): from 9.00 to 16.00.
We hope sincerely that these lockdown measures to curb the coronavirus pandemic`s second wave will not last long. The «Cordillera Escalera» Ecolodge continues to work as usual, and we want to believe that by February 14, Valentine’s Day, guests from various regions of Peru and, possibly, even tourists from abroad will be able to visit us.