A Quick Guide To Quarantining In Chile
Lockdown luxuries = ugg boots, Pacific views & Caribbean rum
With Coronavirus first hitting Chile back in early March, and a state of catastrophe declared in mid-March, there has since been a combination of self-imposed and enforced lockdowns across the country.
Two months in, around mid-May, when the pandemic peak began to hit, the city of Santiago saw its second imposed lockdown after an influx of cases appeared a few weeks in the post-Easter period.
Hitting the three-month mark, now in mid-June, a cuarentena total (full quarantine) has been announced for the major cities in the Valparaiso region.
Here is how the Chilean quarantine really breaks down and how to ensure you’re doing what you can to comply and take care of our collective health while riding out the pandemic wave from within Chile.
Key quarantine dates.
Santiago de Chile
26th March, 10 pm - ongoing until further notice (selected zones)
16th May - ongoing until further notice (entire city)
Valparaíso & Viña del Mar
12th June, 10pm - ongoing until further notice
A full list of regions and dates can be found here
Individual temporary permits.
In order to leave the house, you’ll need to apply for a ‘permiso temporal individual’ via the virtual police station. This allows you to leave the house for a maximum period of three hours and only to fulfil an errand that is approved under one of the reasons listed by the government (see below).
It’s important to note that there are two separate application portals for those on tourist visas vs those who have a resident visa. Foreigners on a tourist visa will need to click on the ‘extranjeros’ button option, whereas foreigners that have Chilean residency are to choose the ‘con cedula de identidad’ button. Residents will need their RUN number (Chilean govt. issued ID) and clave única (unique key code).
The permit slip is only valid for one person and that has to be the person who applied for it (aka. you)
Maximum of 5 permits per person per week. This should be more than enough if you’re a savvy shopper. Shop wisely kids!
The permission takes effect 15 minutes after you’ve successfully applied online via the virtual police station
These permits do not override the curfew law which varies from region to region but is generally in effect from 10 pm-5 am every day.
Any permits requested for false reasons are punishable by law. Basically, don’t take this subject lightly!
Approved reasons for leaving the house.
Medical treatment
Seeking health services, help from a medical centre or health approved facility. When applying for the permission slip, you need to list the name of the doctor, nurse or medical practitioner who will be attending you, your appointment time and the medical centre details.
Permit duration: 12 hours
Pharmacies, supermarkets, fresh food markets or businesses that sell basic consumption items
In order to buy food items, medication and/or other basic necessary household items.
Permit duration: 3 hours, twice a week
Carers leave or accompanying people with disability
This permit reason applies to those with either physical or mental disabilities and their carers or companions. Relevant credentials need to be carried for both parties.
Permit duration: 2 hours
Walking pets under your care
Only within two blocks of your home or residence.
Permit duration: 30 mins
Payment of basic services
Main examples include state pension payments, government allowances or banking arrangements. Only valid Monday through to Friday, business hours.
Permit duration: 3 hours
Attending funerals of direct family members
An awful thing to have to ask permission for but something that is proving necessary in these extreme Corona circumstances.
Permit duration: 5 hours for those who reside within the same region as the funeral, 24 hours for those who have to travel outside their region.
Collection of public-issued education items, textbooks or technological devices for school purposes
Government departments or public education services such as JUNAEB, schools, educational establishments, etc.
Permit duration: 5 hours
Subpoenas - as required by law
Permit duration: As stipulated by legal authorities
Taking food, medication/medical supplies or necessary items to the elderly
While avoiding direct, physical contact with them
Permit duration: 2 hours
Taking food, medicine or necessary items to prisoners in jail
In accordance with the law as enforced by the Gendarmería de Chile (Chile’s national prison service)
Other qualified and urgent cases as authorised by the relevant governing body
Such as primary caretakers who care for the elderly, either with or without a contract that acknowledges the health status of the elderly person for whom you are looking after.
Note: This is a general guide only. Permit reasons and exemptions are subject to change at any time as per the Chilean Government’s authority. If in doubt, consult the official Paso a Paso information page here. All information is correct as of the published blog date.
Primary source of information: Plan Coronavirus, Chilean Government
I’ll do my best to keep this article updated as information comes to light. In the meantime, feel free to drop a comment or request for info below so I can share content on demand.
Stay up to date with statistics on Chilean Coronavirus cases here
