COVID-19 (Coronavirus) in Ecuador

1. At the time of writing (5th March 2020) there are 13 confirmed cases of the COVID-19 virus in Ecuador.

2. One lady travelled from Madrid in Spain to Guayaquil in Ecuador with the virus and to date 12 people who were in close contact with her have also been diagnosed. In total 177 people who had proven to come into contact with the lady self-isolated and have been under observation. A number of these people have already been given the all clear.

3. The Ministry of Health in Ecuador have introduced a number of containment measures to limit the spread of the virus and have set up several isolation units around the country as a precaution.

4. In Ecuador’s airports, ports and land borders additional screening measures are in place.

5. From 10th March 2020 all international arrivals to Ecuador by air will be required to fill out a “Traveller’s Health Declaration Form” and hand it in on arrival to Ministry of Health representatives on duty in the airports. These forms will be provided on board the airplanes by airline staff before landing.

6. Also travelers are being observed for virus symptoms and people’s temperatures are being measured on arrival by trained medical staff in International Airports.

5. If symptoms present themselves after having entered Ecuador, travelers should call 171 where they will be attended by trained staff from the Ministry of Health.

6. For further information please follow Ecuador’s Ministry of Health official social media channels (@Salud_Ec).

Galapagos Islands

The Galapagos governing body are applying the following preventative measures in relation to COVID-19:

1. Access to the Galapagos will be refused to travelers who are presenting symptoms of the virus. Travelers will be checked for symptoms before departing for Galapagos.

2. As far as we are informed no one has been refused entry to the Galapagos after undertaking these health checks to date.

3. There is no COVID-19 present in Galapagos to date.

Original Ecuador Protocol

1. The health and wellbeing of our clients and staff is of utmost importance to us.

2. From today we are introducing a new protocol with all our drivers and guides, to ensure vehicles are cleaned and disinfected on a regular basis during the day.

3. We will be checking in on a daily basis with our guides and drivers to review their personal health. If they present any symptoms whilst accompanying clients, they know to notify us immediately and we have procedures in place to provide replacement services at short notice.

4. We will be providing clients with general prevention and symptom information on arrival. An A4 sheet printed to be included in their welcome pack.

5. We are monitoring the situation daily and updating our procedures based on WHO recommendations and guidelines