Last Updated: Chilean President On Border Closure, Restrictions A border closure and new restrictions came into force in Chile on Monday, as the government tried to reduce new COVID-19 cases amid a new outbreak. A border closure and new restrictions came into force in Chile on Monday, as the government tried to reduce new COVID-19 cases amid a new outbreak. Chilean President Sebastian Piñera talked about the new measures while on a healthcare campaign for the common flu vaccination. Santiago's International airport was empty as the one-month border closure, which includes foreigners and Chileans, began. While Chile has vaccinated 35 percent of its population in less than two months, and authorities say there has been a decrease in the admission of older adults to hospital ICUs, COVID-19 cases are surging again.