Health Alert – U.S. Embassy San Salvador, El Salvador (March 19, 2020)
Location: El Salvador
Event:
The Government of El Salvador announced a 15-day suspension of all passenger air travel in and out of the country starting on March 18. We encourage individuals to work directly with their airlines to confirm or reschedule travel reservations before they go to the airport. The U.S. Embassy in El Salvador will provide more information as it becomes available. Please continue to monitor the Embassy’s website and social media accounts for updates.
On March 18, the Government of El Salvador announced the country’s first confirmed case of COVID-19 in the municipality of Metapan. The President of El Salvador implemented a 48-hour cordón sanitario (containment area) for the entire municipality of Metapán. Movement in and out of Metapán is restricted.
The U.S. Embassy will continue to provide routine and emergency services to U.S. citizens.
Prescription Refills:
We encourage individuals who take medication to visit a local pharmacy with the prescription medication and purchase a refill for at least the next 30 days. We understand some pharmacies have medical personnel on site who can provide general medical guidance and basic patient care.
Access to, and infection control procedures at local hospitals may become compromised. Local hospitals will likely be overwhelmed if there is a high volume of patients. Local doctors may be unavailable as they have been called to public duty, as part of the government’s emergency declaration.
The U. S. Embassy in San Salvador has compiled a list of health care providers. The majority have had training overseas, are familiar with U.S. medical care, and have a reasonable command of English. The list is not meant to be exhaustive or definitive nor does it represent either a guarantee of competence or endorsement by the Department of State or the U.S. Embassy. You can find a list of hospitals and medical providers by visiting https://sv.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/doctors/.
Smart Traveler Enrollment Program:
The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) is a free service to allow U.S. citizens and nationals traveling and living abroad to receive emergency messages. To enroll in STEP, visit https://step.state.gov/.
Actions to Take:
- Monitor the webpage and twitter account of the Ministry of Health.
- Check the twitter account of the General Directorate of Migration of El Salvador for more information regarding entry restrictions.
- Consult entry restrictions at 503-2213-7778 or 503-2213-7700 or online at www.migracion.gob.sv
- Consult the CDC website for the most up-to-date information.
- Check with your airlines or cruise lines regarding any updated information about your travel plans and/or restrictions.
- For the most recent information on what you can do to reduce your risk of contracting COVID-19 please see the CDC’s latest recommendations.
- Visit the COVID-19 crisis page on travel.state.gov for the latest information.
- Visit our Embassy webpage on COVID-19 for information on conditions in El Salvador
- Visit the Department of Homeland Security’s website on the latest travel restrictions to the U.S.
Assistance:
- State Department – Consular Affairs 888-407-4747 or 202-501-4444
- U.S. Embassy San Salvador, El Salvador
Final Boulevard Santa Elena
Antiguo Cuscatlán, La Libertad
Telephone: 503-2501-2999 (24 hour phone line)
ACSSanSal@state.gov
https://sv.usembassy.gov/ - El Salvador Country Information
- Enroll in Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security update
- Follow us on Facebook and Twitter
