Quito: What can be done and what will not be allowed at Christmas and New Year parties

Quito passed the epidemiological alert level for COVID-19 from yellow to orange.

The Emergency Operations Committee (COE) of the Metropolitan District de Quito made restrictive changes after the resolutions of the national Emergency Operations Committee (COE) on the capacity of open and closed spaces for the Christmas and New Year festivities this 2021.

What can be done

• There will be 80% capacity in auditoriums, convention centers, accommodation, reception rooms and others (corporate and academic events).
• There will be 70% capacity in auditoriums, convention centers, accommodation, reception rooms and others (corporate and academic events).
• There will be 70% capacity in auditoriums, convention center, accommodation, reception rooms and others (social events) abroad.
• There will be a 60% capacity in auditoriums, convention center, accommodation, reception rooms and others (social events) inside.
• There will be a 65% capacity in shopping centers, markets, supermarkets.
• There will be a 75% capacity in public transport.
• There will be a 60% capacity inside restaurants.
• There will be a 70% capacity outside restaurants.
• There will be a 65% capacity in gyms without contact activities.
• There will be a 60% capacity in banking and corporate agencies.
• There will be a 50% capacity in cinemas and theaters.
• There will be a 50% capacity in municipal spas and hours of use from 06:00 to 18:00.
• There will be a 30% capacity in bars and nightclubs, tolerance centers and nightlife.
• There will be a 30% capacity in training centers and gyms that carry out contact activities.
• There will be a 30% capacity in public shows.

The Minister of Health, Ximena Garzón, had urged the decentralized autonomous governments (GAD) to suspend activities such as bars, discos or the like.

What can’t be done

• The consumption and sale of alcoholic beverages in public spaces in the capital city will not be allowed.
• Burning of puppets in the open and the use of pyrotechnics is not allowed, for which there will be penalties.

The COE of Quito accepted the recommendation that public events authorized before December 14 be made with new capacity and presenting the vaccination card or negative PCR tests.

Finally, the capital’s COE asked citizens to maintain biosecurity protocols, social distancing, the correct use of a mask, frequent hand washing; In addition, do not stay in places without ventilation and go to the vaccination centers in a timely manner, in accordance with the plan established by the Ministry of Public Health. (I)