COLOMBIA

On February 25, the Executive Power extended, through Resolution N° 222-2021, the Health Emergency at national level until May 31. The government’s objective is to contain the spread of COVID-19 in the country. The regulation states that territorial entities may request to the Executive authorization for the opening of bars, gastrobars, events, business and livestock fairs, according to the progress of sanitary indicators in each region. The measure will enter into effect on February 28.

In this regard, the President of Colombia, Iván Duque, explained that land and fluvial borders will remain closed throughout the national territory. Likewise, the ban on the consumption of alcoholic beverages in public spaces will continue. However, the National Government enabled the sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages in restaurants, as well as their sale through platforms and home deliveries.

Additionally, through this regulation, the National Government will seek to guarantee the gradual, progressive, and safe return of students to face-to-face attendance in schools, based on a scheme of alternation with the virtual modality. In short, restrictions will be maintained for public or private events that involve crowds. 

The resolution also stipulates that broadcasting stations, television programmers and other media outlets shall broadcast information about the sanitary status of the country free of charge, as well as the sanitary measures established in prime time slots, with the aim of updating the population on the progress of the pandemic.