PROTOCOL FOR REOPENING FLIGHTS TO THE GALAPAGOS ISLANDS WITHIN THE FRAMEWORK OF THE HEALTH EMERGENCY BY COVID-19
GALAPAGOS PROVINCIAL OPERATIONS AND EMERGENCY COMMITTEE
- OBJECTIVE
Establish guidelines for the process of entry and exit of passengers to and from the Galapagos Islands, within the framework of the Health Emergency by COVID-19.
- REACH
The guidelines described in this document establish the responsibilities and activities to be implemented by each of the actors involved in the process of entry and/or exit of passengers to the province of Galapagos; being understood as actors all persons within the migratory categories established in Art.39 of the LOREG, and public and private institutions within the scope of their competences.
- LEGAL MARK
Organic Law on Special Regime of the province of Galapagos Regulations Organic Law of Special Regime of the province of Galapagos Protocol of arrival of passengers to Ecuador – Ministry of Public Health.
Coding of the Civil Aviation Act.
Emergency Operations Committee Manual – COE
- DEFINITIONS
4.1 Passenger: This is the person who travels to the Galapagos Islands for any reason.
4.2 Tourist: Any national or foreign person, who enters the province of Galapagos only for the purpose of visiting their protected natural areas and populated areas, and not carrying out any lucrative activity within them, is considered a tourist. Tourists will be able to stay in the province of Galapagos for the sum of sixty days improrrogable in the year, counted from the date of their first entry to that province.
4.3 Tourist with tourist services registered by the National Tourism Authority contracted or organized group: One or more tourists who plan to travel to the Galapagos in advance, preparation and contracting of tourist services organized duly registered by the National Tourism Authority to ensure an experience that complies with the established protocols to deal with the crisis and guarantee the safety of travelers and the community in the Galapagos.
4.4 Establishment of accommodation registered by the National Tourism Authority:
Tourist accommodation means all goods intended by the natural or legal person to provide the non-permanent lodging service, with or without food, basic and/or complementary services, by accommodation contract, duly registered by the National Tourism Authority in accordance with the Organic Law of the Special Regime of the province of Galapagos and the Tourist Accommodation Regulations for the province of Galapagos. Tourist accommodation establishments may not develop intermediation or tourist operation activities directly, only through legally registered tour operators.
4.5 APO: Mandatory Preventive Isolation. Separation of a person to prevent the spread and spread of the COVID-19 virus.
4.6 Permanent Resident: It is a status that authorizes people to live and work permanently in the province of Galapagos (Art. 40 of the LOREG).
4.7 Temporary Resident: It is the status that authorizes persons to stay in the province of Galapagos for a fixed time, obtain a permit to work in exchange for remuneration in the province, is subject to an offer of employment entitled to enter and leave the territory of the province as many times as they wish for the duration of the authorization of temporary residence.
4.8 Transeunte: Any national or foreign person, who is in transit in the province of Galapagos for a period of no more than ninety days in one year , is considered to be a passerby(
4.9 Safe conduct: Enabling document issued by the National Tourism Authority to travel as a tourist to the province of Galapagos that certifies the contracting of services with tourist service agencies or tourist accommodation establishments duly registered with the Ministry of Tourism
4.10 Real-time PCR test of nasopharyngeal swab for COVID-19 detection: Type of test for viral load detection of SARS-COV 2/COVID-19 virus that involves sampling inside the respiratory tract by nasal and is processed at the level of its genetic identification. It’s an individual shot.
4.11 Transit Control Card (TCT). – Transit Control Card for Galapagos, issued by the Governing Council of the Galapagos Special Regime. The Transit Control Card (TCT) system is currently available online, this allows the user to enter their information from their own address before starting their trip to the Islands.
4.12 Tribute of entry to the Galapagos National Park. – It is the rate established with the aim of financing conservation and management activities of the protected area by the Directorate of the Galapagos National Park.
4.13 A Jurassed Declaration of Goods. – It is an affidavit of goods of animal and plant origin for mobilization to the islands of the province of Galapagos, on the conditions of products and by-products of animal or plant origin to be declared in the ports of origin, this is in charge of the Agency for Regulation and Control of Biosecurity and Fortyna for Galapagos (ABG).
- INSTITUTIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES
5.1 Ministry of Public Health
Ensure the presence of 2 health professionals at the airport of San Cristobal, to perform temperature control and triage to passengers when arriving flights.
Ensure the presence of 1 health professional himself who will be supported by the doctor of Baltra airport to perform temperature control and triage to passengers upon arrival of flights.
In the event that a symptomatic respiratory is identified, the health personnel of the Ministry of Public Health who are currently at the airport will carry out the respective assessment and decide the procedure to be followed, in compliance with the guidelines established by the MSP.
Train the guides and tour operators who will accompany tourists during their stay on the islands.
https://www.gobiernogalapagos.gob.ec/manual-tct-online/
http://www.galapagos.gob.ec/tributo-de-ingreso/
http://www.fao.org/faolex/results/details/es/c/LEX-FAOC140494/
Follow-up and epidemiological research to any suspected case of COVID-19 or with respiratory symptoms.
Notify the Ministry of Tourism of the presence of any tourist suspected of COVID-19 to proceed with the activation of protocols in that passenger group (Annex 6).
Request the Mandatory Preventive Isolation (APO) document (Annex 7) from permanent, temporary residents at the airports of San Cristobal and Baltra, the same one that must be filled and signed; that manifests the commitment to perform 8 days of isolation.
Monitor APO compliance for permanent and temporary resident passengers entering the Galapagos.
Articulate the necessary actions for sampling for real-time PCR testing of nasopharyngeal swab for COVID-19 detection to passers-by exceeding 8 days in the province of Galapagos.
5.2 Airports in Quito, Guayaquil and Galapagos.
Keep the operating protocol of Quito, Guayaquil and Galapagos airports available and up to date in response to COVID-19 (Annex 1).
Ensure that airport operating protocols include baggage, footwear, hand and other biosecurity measures for passengers.
Control and guarantee access to the airport only to people who comply with the established triage.
Ensure the execution of protocols with airlines and private flights operating at airports to minimize the risks of COVID-19 contagion.
Implement the necessary actions to avoid crowds of passengers in your facilities.
5.3 Passenger airlines
Keep the operating protocol of airlines operating in the Galapagos Islands available and up to date in response to COVID-19 (Annex 2).
Comply with the implementation of the requirements and processes established by the airports described in Annex 1 to minimize the risks of COVID-19 contagion.
Check that passengers traveling to the Galapagos have the real-time PCR test requirement for nasopharyngeal swab detection for COVID-19 negative from maximum 96 hours counting from the sample.
Ensure that during the entire journey passengers maintain personal protective measures to minimize the risk of COVID-19 transmission.
Implement the necessary actions to avoid crowds of passengers in your facilities.
The scenario will be reported prior to landing in front of the COVID-19 in the Galapagos Islands with the aim of raising citizen awareness in domestic and foreign tourists.
5.4 Tourism Operators
To have and implement the general biosecurity protocols issued by the National Tourism Authority in order to minimize the risks of COVID-19 contagion in the Galapagos Islands.
Require its passengers to present all the requirements set out in numeral 7 (Guidelines), prior to entry to the airports described in this document.
The cost and performance of the real-time PCR test of pharyngeal naso swab for COVID-19 detection will be covered by the passenger and/or can be coordinated with the support of the tourist operator, as long as it complies with the guidelines set out in numeral 7.
Request organized group safe conduct through the digital platform of the Ministry of Tourism (Annex 8).
Pre-registration of passengers and advance payment of the Transit Control Card (TCT), prior to the presentation of the Organized Group Safe conduct, through the existing digital means.
Recommend payment of the Galapagos Protected Areas Entry Fee for domestic and foreign tourists prior to arrival in the province if payment is made within the same month of travel.
Inform its passengers that in case of presenting symptomatology or a positive test within the Province must comply with the APO and MSP protocols.
Socialize with its passengers and companies the protocols of the MSP and MINTUR in cases of presenting cases suspected or confirmed by COVID-19.
Immediately notify the MSP if a tourist with symptomatology is identified who may respond to a suspicious case by COVID-19 (Annex 6)
Provide all workers with protective clothing and biosecurity measures supervised by the MSP and MINTUR.
They shall comply with Chapter II of the Operating and Intermediation Regulations in accordance with the rights and obligations.
5.5 Accommodation establishments Registered at MINTUR
To have and implement the general biosecurity protocols issued by the National Tourism Authority in order to minimize the risks of COVID-19 contagion in the Galapagos Islands.
Require your guests to present all the requirements set out in numeral 7 (Guidelines), prior to entry to the airports described in this document.
The cost and real-time PCR testing of nasopharyngeal swab for COVID-19 detection will be covered by the guest.
Request Safe Conduct through the digital platform of the Ministry of Tourism (Annex 8), exclusively for tourists or guests who have made the reservation at their establishment.
Inform your guests that in case of presenting symptomatology or a positive test within the Province they must comply with the APO and MSP protocols.
Socialize with your guests and collaborators the msp and MINTUR protocols in cases of suspicious or confirmed by COVID-19.
Immediately notify the MSP if a tourist with symptomatology is identified who may respond to a suspicious case by COVID-19 (Annex 6)
Provide all workers with protective clothing and biosecurity measures supervised by the MSP and MINTUR.
Comply with the provisions of the Tourist Accommodation Regulations of the province of Galapagos, the activities of operation and intermediation must be exercised through tourist service agencies regulated by the National Tourism Authority.
5.6 Governing Council of the Galapagos Special Regime
Deliver the APO Mandatory document to permanent and temporary resident passengers at Quito and Guayaquil airports to be filled by the passenger during the trip. (Annex 7)
Carry out the immigration check of passengers entering the province of Galapagos and record their departure from the islands.
Collect and issue the Transit Control Card (TCT) to passengers prior to their entry into the province of Galapagos.
Control and monitor the implementation of this protocol in accordance with institutional competences and responsibilities.
Inform and articulate actions with airlines authorized to know and disseminate travel conditions for passengers.
5.7 Directorate of the Galapagos National Park
Charge the Galapagos Protected Areas Entry Fee for domestic and foreign tourists.
Cargo and baggage inspection departing from Galapagos airports
Implement the General Guidelines for Access to Galapagos Protected Areas Visit Sites (Annex 5).
Control and monitor the implementation of this protocol in accordance with institutional competences and responsibilities.
5.8 Ministry of Tourism
Implement the Safe Conduct Registration process for Organized Groups through the digital platform of the Ministry of Tourism (Annex 8).
Verify compliance with tourist regulations and technical standards within the framework of COVID-19.
Inform and articulate actions with airlines authorized for knowledge and dissemination of travel conditions for tourists.
Control and monitor the implementation of this protocol in accordance with institutional competences and responsibilities.
5.9 Agency for Regulation and Control of Biosafety and Quarantine for Galapagos (ABG)
Check compliance with biosecurity measures in passengers, baggage and cargo.
Check compliance with biosecurity measures in the cabin and hold of aircraft.
Control and monitor the implementation of this protocol in accordance with institutional competences and responsibilities.
5.10 Joint Responsibilities
Disseminate the actions, protocols and guidelines established according to institutional competences.
Promote the necessary agreements with all involved in the tourism industry’s production chain, which allow air traffic to be safely reactivated to the Galapagos Islands.
Communicate to those involved about the actions and protocols established by the entire tourism chain, in response to the Emergency of COVID-19.
Control and monitor the application of this protocol.
It will be the responsibility of all private and public institutions involved in the scope of this protocol to have the respective protocols and train all their staff to ensure the execution and compliance of these.
5.11 Passenger
Comply with the provisions issued by the MSP regarding the conditions for entry to the province of Galapagos according to their category of migration, which is detailed in numeral 6.
Cover the expenses related to obtaining the requirements issued in this protocol to be able to travel.
Meet the mandatory requirements for the corresponding immigration qualification.
Comply with all the processes described in this protocol prior to their presentation at airports.
- CONDITIONS FOR ENTRY TO THE PROVINCE OF GALAPAGOS ACCORDING TO THE CATEGORY OF MIGRATION
While the health emergency is in force, people entering the province of Galapagos must comply with the provisions of this protocol according to their category of migration
Tourists or passers-by
Have the negative result of a real-time PCR test of nasopharyngeal swab for COVID-19 detection, maximum 96 hours prior to travel counting from the sample.
In the case of foreign tourists who have results from certified laboratories of their country of origin within the times set out in this protocol at the time of entry to the islands, they may present that document as an enabling.
In the case of domestic tourists, real-time PCR tests should be carried out only in laboratories authorised by the MSP (Annex 9)
In the case of domestic or foreign tourists, have the safe conduct for organized groups issued by the Ministry of Tourism, which exempts them from compliance with APO on the islands.
In the case of passers-by who record their income for more than 8 days of stay in the province, they must proceed with the realization of a real-time PCR of nasopharyngeal swab for COVID-19 detection.
The cost of the real-time PCR test of nasopharyngeal swab for COVID-19 detection will be borne by the passerby.
Cover the expenses related to obtaining the requirements issued in this protocol to be able to travel.
Mandatory Preventive Isolation APO is exempt from these migratory categories.
Permanent or temporary residents
Meet the mandatory requirements for the immigration qualification of Permanent or Temporary Resident in the Galapagos Islands.
Have the negative result of a real-time PCR test of nasopharyngeal swab for COVID-19 detection, maximum 96 hours prior to travel in laboratories authorized by the MSP (Annex 9).
Fill out and sign the APO mandatory document that you will receive at the CGREG counter at the departure airport be Quito or Guayaquil.
Deliver the full and signed APO document to the staff of the Public Health Ministrio who will be in the arrival hall of the airports of San Cristobal and Baltra.
Perform 14 days of APO at an address where no other person dwells and identify a contact person who meets their basic needs for the duration of the isolation.
By institutional need, the employer may request from the Provincial COE a new sample for real-time PCR of nasopharyngeal swabing for COVID detection – 19 at the end of 8 days of APO, and with the negative result of this test to end the APO. The cost of the test in mention shall be borne by the worker.
- GENERAL GUIDELINES
7.1. Entry to Guayaquil or Quito Airport (Annex Specific protocols for airports)
To enter the passenger terminal to travel to the Galapagos you will need:
Have the personal protective equipment established by the national health authority (mask)
Submit same-day enabling travel documents (ticket,boarding pass or booking pass)
Present as an enabler a real-time PCR test of nasopharyngeal swab for COVID-19 detection, which must be performed in laboratories authorized by the MSP (Annex 9) or certified laboratories of the country of origin.
For entry to airports, body temperature control will be carried out, based on the protocol established by the Ministry of Public Health, by means of thermal cameras and/or distance thermometers, disinfection of footwear with pedilu sending and hand disinfection; and baggage disinfection procedure.
In case of having a body temperature above 37.9oC, entry to the passenger terminal will not be allowed.
This instrument will be in force from July 2020, as well as its updates, until the National Emergency Operations Committee provides otherwise with respect to the CoVID-19 Health Emergency
7.2. Baggage control
Passengers will comply with the control and sealing of their baggage in the ABG inspection filter, ensuring the required distance, without causing crowds.
7.3. Purchase of Transit Control Card (TCT)
The tour operators will be responsible for managing the purchase of the Transit Control Cards in advance in compliance with the established requirements.
The obtaining of the printed species after the online pre-registration will be carried out at the departure airports (Guayaquil and Quito) complying with the strict protocols of physical estrangement.
7.4. Airline check-in
For passengers who carry out checks in person and online, they must carry the following documents:
ID or passport
TCT
Real-time PCR test of nasopharyngeal swab for COVID-19 negative detection
The operator shall incentivize the use of electronic boarding passes.
7.5. Pre-boarding security control
To access the boarding rooms, the security check is carried out where the passenger presents, in addition to the Boarding Pass, the requirements indicated in the number 7.4.
It is recommended to take the international measures available for the handling of carry-on baggage to minimize the number of pieces per person.
The processes that are executed during the Check in, Pre-boarding and Waiting Room / boarding will be carried out complying with the strict protocols of airport security and biosecurity d, guaranteeing physical estrangement. The Operator shall state reasons to comply with the established protocols issued by the Civil Aviation Authority.
7.6. Prior to landing on the aircraft
The airline crew must perform prior disconnection in the carry-on baggage area in accordance with the protocol established by ABG.
Deliver the Affidavit of Goods to passengers, previously delivered by ABG.
Report on the scenario against the COVID-19 that is held in the Galapagos Islands with the aim of creating citizen awareness in domestic and foreign tourists.
7.7. Arrival Galapagos Airports (Annex 1 – airport-specific protocols)
Each passenger on arrival shall comply with the protocols established by each airport in accordance with the approval of the competent authorities.
7.8. Departure from the airport on arrival
Each passenger on arrival shall comply with the protocols established by each airport in accordance with the approval of the competent authorities.
The Operator shall have the appropriate tools to identify its organized group and continue the activities in accordance with its declared Safe Conduct.
7.9. Transportation from airport to final destination
All means of public transport carrying out passenger transfers to and from airports in the Galapagos Islands must have biosecurity protocols duly approved by their respective Cantonal COE in the context of the Health Emergency by COVID-19.
Final Provision: This Protocol enters into force as of July 1, 2020, in accordance with the provisions of the National Emergency Operations Committee.
- ANNEXES
ANNEX 1:
Operating protocols of Quito, Guayaquil, Baltra and San Cristobal Airports.
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1oKgJaKFKjZpV83isJToiVaFFHvugk_cB
ANNEX 2:
Latam and Avianca airline operating protocols
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1AmV2ePoUM9Uo1x0uqdQ2hLEvpaiQz8I9
ANNEX 3:
Protocol for the Safe Return of Residents of the Province of Galapagos who have complied with mandatory preventive isolation at continental equator
ANNEX 4:
General Protocol on Biosafety Measures for Tourist Land Transport, at the Time of its Reactivation, in the context of the Health Emergency by COVID-19.
ANNEX 5:
General Guidelines for Access to Galapagos Protected Areas Visit Sites
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ebt14l_x8KtR5OaOUD22cWdQoXWXAL5W/view?usp=sharig
ANNEX 6:
Protocol for possible suspected cases of COVID-19 in boats and hotels.
https://www.turismo.gob.ec/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/protocolo_covid-19_alojamientos-turisticos.pdf
ANNEX 7:
APO format for residents and passers-by within the Reapture protocol.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1KQZCb0VgJxHm1lH0LoyYqTlyCCeRSIzV/view?usp=sharing
ANNEX 8:
Instructive for Organized Group Safe Conduct Generation
ANNEX 9:
Link to approved laboratories for real-time PCR testing of nasopharyngeal swabs for COVID-19 detection