Update on coronavirus COVID-19 in Peru, March 17th

Without a doubt, the novel coronavirus pandemic has in the past few weeks changed and upended our world. Here, we continue to provide the latest news on the spread of the virus in Peru, the policy measures the Peruvian government and health authorities are taking, and the perspectives for travel to Peru over the next few months. 

• On Monday, March 16, 2020, by Supreme Decree, Peruvian President Martín Vizcarra declared a State of Emergency across all of Peru, as a result of the outbreak of novel coronavirus COVID-19.

• The emergency decree declares a mandatory quarantine for a period of 15 calendar days for the entire population, in order to prevent the spread of the virus. The key approach and goal of the new decree is to ensure the social distancing of the entire population to prevent spread of the virus. 
• All people in Peru are required to stay at their homes, except for going out to purchase food and medicines. Food markets, pharmacies and banks will remain open. Most other businesses are closed. Transportation services are limited. Workers carrying out essential responsibilities are exempt and must carry necessary documents in transit. Employers are required to allow people to work from home, whenever possible.
  
• The new policies include transit and travel restrictions across the entire country, and the suspension of all national and international flights for at least two weeks. This prohibition could be extended, depending on conditions further ahead. 
• Emergency medical facilities are in place to treat every case that is identified as positive. Testing is obligatory for any person that is feeling symptoms, and is provided at home and free of charge. An emergency phone number (113) has been established for anyone wishing to report possible contagion. All gatherings, sports and concert events, schools and university classes have been cancelled.

• People currently identified as positive for coronavirus in Peru continue to be isolated in specialized medical facilities. Most current cases are in Lima, and most are related to travelers who returned from Italy and Spain in the past few weeks. As of today, one case of coronavirus has been reported in Cusco. 
• Andean Lodges has established new payment refund and cancelation policies to provide you with more flexibility in making your decision. Please read our latest policy communique on coronavirus, as posted on our website.

• If you have reserved a tour with Andean Lodges for the next few months, we deeply regret any problems and the inconvenience this global medical emergency is causing you. Please contact Fiama Alarcón at: fiama@andeanlodges.com to resolve any issues requited to trip cancelations.

• Eventually, the COVID-19 crisis will end, and obviously, and nobody knows quite when. A return to normal travel could take several months. Even after the declared end of all restrictions, and once the world’s population becomes safe from the virus, Andean Lodges will continue to carry out all medical protocols and emergency procedures that will guarantee your health and safety on our tours and treks. Despite the current situation, we hope to welcome you to Cusco in the near future.

All of us at Andean Lodges sincerely wish you and your loved ones all the best of good health and tranquility in the difficult days and weeks to come! We hope that at the right moment, you will consider a trip to Cusco and Ausangate with Andean Lodges. We promise you it will be an unforgettable, wonderful adventure in Peru!