Aysén decrees masks and suspends mass events due to respiratory viruses

The Regional Ministerial Secretariat of Health of the Aysén Region of General Carlos Ibáñez del Campo has established extraordinary sanitary measures to prevent the spread of respiratory viruses throughout the regional territory, given the increase in the circulation of rhinovirus, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and influenza B, as well as the saturation of pediatric beds. The measure was adopted through Exempt Resolution No. 846, dated August 28, 2026, signed by the Regional Ministerial Secretary Jorge Alejandro Pérez Urra, and published in the Official Gazette of the Republic of Chile No. 44,550, on Monday, September 14, 2026, in Section I (official reference CVE 2868519).

The measures are in effect from August 29 to September 3, 2026, both dates inclusive, and are based on the extraordinary powers granted by Decree No. 7, of February 6, 2026, from the Ministry of Health, which declared a sanitary alert.

Epidemiological situation justifying the measure

The technical background comes from the “Epidemiological Week Report No. 33, IRA-ERA Epidemiological Surveillance, Aysén Region 2026” and the “Respiratory Virus Circulation Report.” Critical demand indicators exceed alert thresholds:

• Consultations for ARI in children aged 1 to 4: 60.1% (threshold 60%).
• Consultations for pneumonia in children under 1 year: 6.5% (threshold 3.5%).
• Consultations for pneumonia in those over 65 years: 3.9% (threshold 3.5%).

The respiratory viruses with the highest cumulative circulation are:

• Rhinovirus: 950 cases (32.3%), most frequent in the 1 to 4 year age group.
• RSV: 781 cases (26.6%).
• Influenza B: 421 cases (14.3%).

Hospital saturation and school outbreaks

Bed occupancy has reached critical levels: 89% at the Coyhaique Hospital and 95% at the Puerto Aysén Hospital, with 100% occupancy of pediatric beds at the Coyhaique Regional Hospital and 65% of adult critical care beds. Outbreaks were recorded in kindergartens and educational establishments in Coyhaique (2), Puerto Aysén (1), Balmaceda (1), and Puerto Cisnes (1).

Anti-influenza vaccination coverage reaches 68.9% in children under 5 years and 62.5% in those over 65 years.

Measures established

The resolution establishes, among other obligations:

• Mandatory use of masks in enclosed spaces where there are crowds of people.
• Suspension or rescheduling of mass events gathering one hundred or more people in enclosed spaces of public or private use.
• Implementation of natural or mechanical ventilation systems in enclosed spaces.
• Availability of hand hygiene means (soap and water or 70% alcohol) and signage regarding respiratory hygiene.
• Avoiding crowds at entrances, exits, restrooms, and service points.

Events in open spaces may be held provided that preventive measures are followed. Oversight is the responsibility of the Regional Ministerial Secretariat of Health of Aysén, and infractions are sanctioned in accordance with Book X of the Sanitary Code, following the initiation of a sanitary summary.

Relevance for the population

The measure seeks to contain viral circulation that particularly affects children and adolescents, as well as pregnant people and the elderly, within a context of school outbreaks and saturation of the regional healthcare network. The SEREMI’s Epidemiology Unit must reevaluate the conditions before the period expires to determine whether the measures are lifted, modified, or extended.

Source: Official Gazette of the Republic of Chile, No. 44,550, September 14, 2026, Section I, p. 1 (official reference: CVE 2868519).