New Galapagos Entry Procedures Announced in Response to COVID-19

Last week, the Galapagos Provincial Emergency Operations Committee issued a resolution regarding the control and prevention of COVID-19 in the Galapagos Islands. This resolution cancels previous resolutions on the subject. You can read the full version here (in Spanish). 

The resolution states that all visitors entering the Galapagos Islands will be subject to a mandatory health screening at ports of entry on the mainland. If symptoms consistent with COVID-19 infection are detected, including fever, coughing, and/or shortness of breath, the visitor may be denied entry. The resolution also warns of longer than usual delays at airports due to the health screenings. 

As of today, there are 15 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ecuador. The disease has yet to be reported in the Galapagos Islands.

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides country-specific COVID-19 risk assessment information on its website. Currently, Ecuador is in the lowest risk category, which means that while there is a risk of limited community transmission, there is no widespread or sustained ongoing transmission of the disease there at this time. 

For travel to Ecuador, the CDC recommends:

  • Avoid contact with sick people
  • Clean your hands often by washing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with 60%–95% alcohol
  • Pay attention to your health for 14 days after returning to the US. Stay home and seek medical advice if you get sick with fever, cough, or difficulty breathing
  • Avoid travelling if you are sick
  • Visit CDC’s webpage for additional information about COVID-19. 
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Matt Kareus

Matt is the Executive Director of IGTOA.

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