Colombia plans to resume international flights later this month as it gradually eases some restrictions after months of a hard lockdown.
From September 21, international flights will operate in and out of the country; however, land, sea, and river borders remain closed for the foreseeable future. In a statement released today, the minister of transport, Angela Maria Orozco, announced that the United States, Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Brazil, Ecuador, Bolivia, and Guatemala will be the first destinations that Colombia will reopen to in terms of air travel. Furthermore, passengers must present proof of a recent negative coronavirus test result upon arrival. “The entire sector is committed to complying with the biosafety protocols defined to ensure that this operation is carried out safely,” stated Ms. Orozco.
Colombia began alleviating some restrictions on September 1 after six months of a hard lockdown. Bogotá’s El Dorado airport opened on Tuesday to domestic passengers for the first time since March. Moreover, on Sunday, thousands of cyclists participated in the weekly car-free Ciclovía, or Bicycle Way, marking the first occurrence of this event since the national lockdown came into effect in March.
Officials state that the country has now passed the coronavirus peak; nevertheless, a national sanitation emergency remains in effect until November 1. Bogotá has implemented a four-day plan to minimize contact, allowing some businesses and workplaces to operate within a four-day cycle during the week. Consequently, restaurants are open from Thursday to Sunday and will operate at 25% capacity, while shopping for non-essential goods is permitted from Wednesday to Sunday.
In Medellín, restaurants, bars, and hotels have reopened with new health and safety guidelines in place. Moreover, in the holiday hotspot of Cartagena, local media reports that beaches will gradually open in the upcoming weeks with new zoning rules to ensure safety. Elsewhere in the country, where outbreaks are occurring, local authorities are implementing specific restrictions to help contain the virus spread.
