The Ministry of the Interior ordered the extension of the mandatory isolation from May 11 to May 25, 2020, including new exceptions to the limitation of people circulation, to reactivate economic and social activities gradually.
Previously, Decree 593 provided 41 exceptions. This Decree brings 5 new exceptions for a total of 46 activities in which it will be possible to leave, taking into account in each case the application of the biosecurity protocols ordered by the Ministry of Health and the measures taken in each municipality for the reactivation of the economy. The new activities allowed are:
- Wholesale and retail marketing of building materials, hardware, locksmithery, glass products and paint.
- The chain of production, supply, storage, repair, maintenance, transport, and distribution of the manufactures of (i) motor vehicles, trailers and semi-trailers, (ii) motorcycles, (iii) furniture, mattresses and bedsteads.
- The manufacture, maintenance and repair of computers, peripheral equipment, communication, electronic and optical equipment.
- Retail of fuel, lubricants, additives and automotive cleaning products, books, newspapers, stationery and office supplies.
- Wholesale trade of furniture and household goods
- Wholesale and retail trade of motor vehicles and motorcycles, including parts and accessories. - Home laundry service.
In order to start all the exempted activities, it is mandatory to comply with the biosecurity protocols established by the Ministry of Health and Social Protection for the control of the pandemic. This Decree allows mayors to add or suspend activities, as long as they have authorization from the Ministry of the Interior.
Additionally, measures are dictated for municipalities not affected by the Coronavirus COVID-19. The mayors of these municipalities may request the Ministry of the Interior to release the compulsory preventive isolation, and for this purpose the Ministry of Health and Social Protection is required to certify the condition of being a municipality unaffected by the virus. However, under no circumstances may be allowed certain presential activities, such as (i) events involving crowds of people, (ii) commercial establishments for recreation and amusement, for dance, leisure and entertainment and for games of chance and betting, (iii) opening gastronomic establishments, they may only operate by means of electronic commerce, (iv) gyms, swimming pools, sports fields, sports centres, amusement parks and children's playgrounds, and (v) group sports. In this case, biosecurity protocols must also be complied with and it must be taken into account that those living in these municipalities may only go out to comply with some of the exempted activities.
Other measures include the application of teleworking when the presence of workers is not essential at the workplace, guaranteeing public services for land, cable, river and sea transport of passengers, postal services and parcel delivery, provided that they are necessary to deal with a health emergency, the suspension of domestic air transport for the length of the preventive isolation, the banning of the consumption of alcoholic drinks in open spaces and to ensure that the rights of medical staff are granted.
In case of non-compliance with the measures set forth in this Decree, may lead to the imposition of fines and even prison sentences. It is important to highlight that Decree 593 of 2020 is repealed with the issuance of Decree 636.