Juan Fernández Archipelago moves forward to Opening Stage: The whole of Chile is now in the same phase of the We Keep Taking Care of Each Other Plan

The inhabitants of the Juan Fernández Archipelago have received some good news, as the municipality in the Valparaíso Region moves forward to the Opening Stage this Monday, November 7. This is largely due to the clear improvement that has been registered in the community’s epidemiological situation. 

Health Minister Ximena Aguilera explained that the measure was taken because of the current epidemiological situation. She released the information in the company of the archipelago’s mayor, Pablo Manríquez, and Public Health Undersecretary Cristóbal Cuadrado. 

According to a report provided on November 3 by the Valparaíso Regional Secretary of the Health Ministry (SEREMI), the municipality of Juan Fernández registered a total of six new cases, with 16 active cases. A total of 326 confirmed cases have been diagnosed since August. 

With this step, the entire Chilean territory, both continental and island, is confirmed as in the Opening Stage. In the case of Juan Fernández, facemask use will be mandatory only in medical centers, and the Pase de Movilidad (Mobility Pass) will no longer be required in venues and at events. 

Health authorities stressed, however, that this does not imply that facemasks should be eliminated. Although they are no longer mandatory, except in healthcare centers, it is still strongly recommended that they are used in places where there are crowds of people. 

Their use is also recommended in case of respiratory symptoms such as cough, fever, sneezing and general malaise. 

The Health Ministry explained that six officials have been transferred from Valparaíso to the archipelago, who will remain on secondment until December 31. They will carry out tasks of the testing, traceability and isolation strategy in the community. The team will also contain a Higher-Level Nursing Technician (TENS), who will carry out SEREMI functions at the local level. 

Entry requirements 

It should be emphasized that we are still in a pandemic, despite the improvement in the general situation. This will be evident on the archipelago, where entry requirements remain very strict. The following documents will be requested for entry: 

• Non-residents of Juan Fernández must present a COVID-19 vaccination certificate. 
• They must also show a PCR test taken within 48 hours of boarding. Crew members who do not disembark on island territory are exempt from this measure. 
• Children under six years of age must present an antigen test taken within 48 hours of boarding.