To prevent supermarkets and shops from becoming congested with a major influx of people during the national Colombia quarantine, all municipalities in the Aburrá Valley have implemented Pico y Cedula, which restricts shopping days during the quarantine and cufews based on the last digit of your ID.
The Pico y Cedula restriction applies for going to grocery shops, malls, small tiendas, pharmacies and also includes banking and notary services. These restrictions started on March 25 during the national Colombia quarantine. In Medellín and the Aburrá Valley, you are limited in the days and hours you can shop and use banks based on the last digit of your ID (cedula or passport).
Note that Pico y Cedula is different than Pico y Placa used to address traffic during rush hour. Pico y Cedula is when the last digit of your ID indicates you CAN go out shopping. Under Pico y Placa you are restricted from driving in Medellín during the rush hours based the last digit on a license plate for cars or first digit for motorcycles. Pico y Placa is when you CANNOT drive.
EDITOR NOTE on May 17, 2021: Pico y Cedula in Medellín resumes and was extended to at least May 24.
Pico y Cedula Starting on March 25, 2021
Starting on March 25 to April 5, Pico y Cedula returns to Medellín and Antioquia and is extended until May 23, which restricts shopping days based on the last digit of your ID. The Pico y Cedula restriction applies for going to grocery shops, small tiendas and also includes banking and notary services.
If your ID ends with an even number (0, 2, 4, 6, 8) you can go out shopping on even days of the week. And if your ID ends with an odd number (1, 3, 5, 7, 9) you can go out on odd days of the week. However, this restriction does not apply to going to restaurants, churches or pharmacies or using transportation.
During the weekend curfews, one per per household can go out on Pico y Cedula days for essential goods like groceries and at pharmacies.
However on April 13, 14 and 15 Pico y Cedula in Medellín and Antioquia will change for these three days:
- April 13 – IDs ending in 0, 1, 2 and 3
- April 14 – IDs ending in 4, 5 and 6
- April 15 – IDs ending in 7, 8 and 9
On April 16, Pico y Cedula returns to even/odd.
And on April 19 to 22, Pico y Cedula in Medellín and Antioquia will change for these days to:
- April 19 – IDs ending in 0 and 1
- April 20 – IDs ending in 2, 3 and 4
- April 21 – IDs ending in 5, 6 and 7
- April 22 – IDs ending in 8 and 9
On April 23, Pico y Cedula returns to even/odd.
And on April 19 to 22, Pico y Cedula in Medellín and Antioquia will change for these days to:
- April 26 – IDs ending in 0 and 1
- April 27 – IDs ending in 2, 3 and 4
- April 28 – IDs ending in 5, 6 and 7
- April 29 – IDs ending in 8 and 9
On April 30, Pico y Cedula returns to even/odd.
And on May 4 to 10, Pico y Cedula in Medellín and Antioquia will change for these days to:
- May 4: IDs ending in 0 and 1
- May 5: IDs ending in 2 and 3
- May 6: IDs ending in 4 and 5
- May 7: IDs ending in 6 and 7
- May 8: IDs ending in 8 and 9
- May 9: IDs ending in 0 and 1
- May 10: IDs ending in 2 and 3
Starting on May 11 until May 31, Pico y Cedula returns to even/odd. So, starting on May 11, If your ID ends with an even number (0, 2, 4, 6, 8) you can go out shopping on even days of the week. And if your ID ends with an odd number (1, 3, 5, 7, 9) you can go out on odd days of the week. However, this restriction does not apply to going to restaurants, churches or pharmacies or using transportation.
Pico y Cedula in Medellín Starting December 22, 2020
Medellín will resume Pico y Cedula starting on December 22, 2020, which restricts shopping days based on the last digit of your ID. The Pico y Cedula restriction applies for going to grocery shops, malls, small tiendas, pharmacies and also includes banking and notary services.
Starting on December 22, if your ID ends with an even number (0, 2, 4, 6, 8) you can go out on even days of the week for shopping. And if your ID ends with an odd number (1, 3, 5, 7, 9) you can go out on odd days of the week for shopping.
The new Pico y Cedula was until January 12 but was extended starting on January 14 to at least February 2.
Pico y Cedula in Medellín and the Aburrá Valley Starting August 18 until August 30
Pico y Cedula Starting on July 13 to August 30, 2020
This pico y cedula is for the entire Aburrá Valley reportedly including 9 of the 10 municipalities in the valley including Medellín, Envigado, Sabaneta, Itagüí, Bello, La Estrella, Barbosa and Copacabana.
This schedule starting on July 13 for five weeks permits you to go out only once per week. The new restrictive schedule replaces the previous schedule found in the article below.
Starting on July 13
- Monday, July 13: 0, 1
- Tuesday, July 14: 2, 3
- Wednesday, July 15: 4, 5
- Thursday, July 16: 6, 7, 8, 9
- Friday, July 17: Restricted – nobody can go out, strict quarantine
- Saturday, July 18: Restricted – nobody can go out, strict quarantine
- Sunday, July 19: Restricted – nobody can go out, strict quarantine
Starting on July 20
- Monday, July 20: Restricted – nobody can go out
- Tuesday, July 21: 0, 1, 2
- Wednesday, July 22: 3, 4, 5
- Thursday, July 23: 6, 7, 8
- Friday, July 24 : Restricted – nobody can go out, strict quarantine
- Saturday, July 25: Restricted – nobody can go out, strict quarantine
- Sunday, July 26: Restricted – nobody can go out, strict quarantine
Starting on July 27
- Monday, July 27: 9, 0, 1
- Tuesday, July 28: 2, 3, 4
- Wednesday, July 29: 5, 6, 7
- Thursday, July 30: 8, 9
- Friday, July 31: Restricted – nobody can go out, strict quarantine
- Saturday, August 1: Restricted – nobody can go out, strict quarantine
- Sunday, August 2: Restricted – nobody can go out, strict quarantine
Starting on August 3:
- Monday, August 3: 0, 1
- Tuesday, August 4: 2, 3
- Wednesday, August 5: 4, 5, 6
- Thursday, August 6: 7, 8, 9
- Friday, August 7: Restricted – nobody can go out, strict quarantine
- Saturday, August 8: Restricted – nobody can go out, strict quarantine
- Sunday, August 9: Restricted – nobody can go out, strict quarantine
Starting on August 10:
- Monday, August 10: 0, 1
- Tuesday, August 11: 2, 3
- Wednesday, August 12: 4, 5
- Thursday, August 13: 6, 7
- Friday, August 14: 8, 9
- Saturday, August 15: Restricted – nobody can go out, strict quarantine
- Sunday, August 16: Restricted – nobody can go out, strict quarantine
- Monday, August 17: Restricted – nobody can go out, strict quarantine
On the restricted days you can only go out to walk a pet like a dog.
Starting on August 18 is a new Pico y Cedula schedule that no longer has strict quarantines on the weekend.
Starting on August 18:
- Tuesday, August 18: 0, 1
- Wednesday, August 19: 2, 3
- Thursday, August 20: 4, 5
- Friday, August 21: 6, 7
- Saturday, August 22: 8, 9
- Sunday, August 23: 0, 1
Starting on August 24:
- Monday, August 24: 0, 1
- Tuesday, August 25: 2, 3
- Wednesday, August 26: 4, 5
- Thursday, August 27: 6, 7
- Friday, August 28: 8, 9
- Saturday, August 29: 2, 3
- Sunday, August 30: 4, 5
Also, keep in mind there is a penalty of up to 936,323 pesos for violating Pico y Cedula.
Pico y Cedula in Medellín and the Aburrá Valley Starting on July 6, 2020 (now out of date)
Pico y Cedula Starting on July 6 to August 2, 2020
This pico y cedula is for the entire Aburrá Valley reportedly including all 10 municipalities in the valley including Medellín, Envigado, Sabaneta, Itagüí, Bello, La Estrella, Barbosa, Girardota and Copacabana.
This new schedule starting on July 6 permits you to go out every other day, which is the same as the previous week. If your ID ends with an odd number you can go out on even days of the week. And if your ID ends with a even number you can go out on odd days of the week.
Starting on July 6
- Monday, July 6: 1, 3, 5, 7, 9
- Tuesday, July 7: 0, 2, 4, 6, 8
- Wednesday, July 8: 1, 3, 5, 7, 9
- Thursday, July 9: 0, 2, 4, 6, 8
- Friday, July 10: 1, 3, 5, 7, 9
- Saturday, July 11: 0, 2, 4, 6, 8
- Sunday, July 12: 1, 3, 5, 7, 9
Starting on July 13 – OUT OF DATE (see above)
- Monday, July 13: 0, 2, 4, 6, 8
- Tuesday, July 14: 1, 3, 5, 7, 9
- Wednesday, July 15: 0, 2, 4, 6, 8
- Thursday, July 16: 1, 3, 5, 7, 9
- Friday, July 17: 0, 2, 4, 6, 8
- Saturday, July 18: 1, 3, 5, 7, 9
- Sunday, July 19: 0, 2, 4, 6, 8
Starting on July 20 – OUT OF DATE (see above)
- Monday, July 20: 1, 3, 5, 7, 9
- Tuesday, July 21: 0, 2, 4, 6, 8
- Wednesday, July 22: 1, 3, 5, 7, 9
- Thursday, July 23: 0, 2, 4, 6, 8
- Friday, July 24 : 1, 3, 5, 7, 9
- Saturday, July 25: 0, 2, 4, 6, 8
- Sunday, July 26: 1, 3, 5, 7, 9
Starting on July 27: OUT OF DATE (see above)
- Monday, July 27: 0, 2, 4, 6, 8
- Tuesday, July 28: 1, 3, 5, 7, 9
- Wednesday, July 29: 0, 2, 4, 6, 8
- Thursday, July 30: 1, 3, 5, 7, 9
- Friday, July 31: 0, 2, 4, 6, 8
- Saturday, August 1: 1, 3, 5, 7, 9
- Sunday, August 2: 0, 2, 4, 6, 8
Also, keep in mind there is a penalty of up to 936,323 pesos for violating Pico y Cedula.
Pico y Cedula in Medellín and the Aburrá Valley Starting on June 22, 2020
Pico y Cedula Starting on June 22 to July 5, 2020
This pico y cedula is for the entire Aburrá Valley reportedly including all 10 municipalities in the valley including Medellín, Envigado, Sabaneta, Itagüí, Bello, La Estrella, Barbosa, Girardota and Copacabana.
This new schedule starting on June 22 permits you to go out every other day, which is the same as the previous week. If your ID ends with an odd number you can go out on even days of the week. And if your ID ends with a even number you can go out on odd days of the week.
Starting on June 22:
- Monday, June 22: 1, 3, 5, 7, 9
- Tuesday, June 23: 0, 2, 4, 6, 8
- Wednesday, June 24: 1, 3, 5, 7, 9
- Thursday, June 25: 0, 2, 4, 6, 8
- Friday, June 26: 1, 3, 5, 7, 9
- Saturday, June 27: 0, 2, 4, 6, 8
- Sunday, June 28: 1, 3, 5, 7, 9
Starting on June 29:
- Monday, June 29: 0, 2, 4, 6, 8
- Tuesday, June 30: 1, 3, 5, 7, 9
- Wednesday, July 1: 0, 2, 4, 6, 8
- Thursday, July 2: 1, 3, 5, 7, 9
- Friday, July 3: 0, 2, 4, 6, 8
- Saturday, July 4: 1, 3, 5, 7, 9
- Sunday, July 5: 0, 2, 4, 6, 8
Pico y Cedula in Medellín and the Aburrá Valley Starting on June 8, 2020
Pico y Cedula Starting on June 8 to June 21, 2020
This is for the entire Aburrá Valley reportedly including all 10 municipalities in the valley including Medellín, Envigado, Sabaneta, Itagüí, Bello, La Estrella, Barbosa, Girardota and Copacabana.
This new schedule starting on June 8 permits you to go out every other day, which is the same as the previous week. If your ID ends with an odd number you can go out on even days of the week. And if your ID ends with a even number you can go out on odd days of the week.
Starting on June 8:
- Monday, June 8: 1, 3, 5, 7, 9
- Tuesday, June 9: 0, 2, 4, 6, 8
- Wednesday, June 10: 1, 3, 5, 7, 9
- Thursday, June 11: 0, 2, 4, 6, 8
- Friday, June 12: 1, 3, 5, 7, 9
- Saturday, June 13: 0, 2, 4, 6, 8
- Sunday, June 14: 1, 3, 5, 7, 9
Starting on June 15:
- Monday, June 15: 0, 2, 4, 6, 8
- Tuesday, June 16: 1, 3, 5, 7, 9
- Wednesday, June 17: 0, 2, 4, 6, 8
- Thursday, June 18: 1, 3, 5, 7, 9
- Friday, June 19: 0, 2, 4, 6, 8
- Saturday, June 20: 1, 3, 5, 7, 9
- Sunday, June 21: 0, 2, 4, 6, 8
The following are the previous Pico y Cedula schedules in the Aburrá Valley:
Pico y Cedula Starting on June 1, 2020
Pico y Cedula Starting on June 1, 2020
This is for the entire Aburrá Valley reportedly including all 10 municipalities in the valley including Medellín, Envigado, Sabaneta, Itagüí, Bello, La Estrella, Barbosa, Girardota and Copacabana.
Starting on June 1:
- Monday, June 1: 0, 2, 4, 6, 8
- Tuesday, June 2: 1, 3, 5, 7, 9
- Wednesday, June 3: 0, 2, 4, 6, 8
- Thursday, June 4: 1, 3, 5, 7, 9
- Friday, June 5: 0, 2, 4, 6, 8
- Saturday, June 6: 1, 3, 5, 7, 9
- Sunday, June 7: 0, 2, 4, 6, 8
Pico y Cedula Starting on May 25
Pico y Cedula Starting on May 25, 2020
This is for the entire Aburrá Valley reportedly including all 10 municipalities in the valley including Medellín, Envigado, Sabaneta, Itagüí, Bello, La Estrella, Barbosa, Girardota and Copacabana.
Starting on May 25:
- Monday, May 25: 7 and 8
- Tuesday, May 26: 9 and 0
- Wednesday, May 27: 1 and 2
- Thursday, May 28: 3 and 4
- Friday, May 29: 5 and 6
- Saturday, May 31: 7 and 8
- Sunday, May 31: 9, 0 and 1
Pico y Cedula Starting on May 11
New Pico y Cedula Starting on May 11, 2020
This is for the entire Aburrá Valley reportedly including all 10 municipalities in the valley including Medellín, Envigado, Sabaneta, Itagüí, Bello, La Estrella, Barbosa, Girardota and Copacabana.
And for the entire valley Pico y Cedula works from 7:00 am until 7:00 pm.
Starting on May 11:
- Monday, May 11: 7 and 8
- Tuesday, May 12: 9 and 0
- Wednesday, May 13: 1 and 2
- Thursday, May 14: 3 and 4
- Friday, May 15: 5 and 6
- Saturday, May 16: 7 and 8
- Sunday, May 17: 9, 0 and 1
And the following week:
- Monday, May 18: 2 and 3
- Tuesday, May 19: 4 and 5
- Wednesday, May 20: 6 and 7
- Thursday, May 21: 8 and 9
- Friday, May 22: 0 and 1
- Saturday, May 23: 2 and 3
- Sunday, May 24: 4, 5 and 6
New Pico y Cedula Starting on April 27
New Pico y Cedula Starting on April 27, 2020
This is for the entire Aburrá Valley reportedly including all 10 municipalities in the valley including Medellín, Envigado, Sabaneta, Itagüí, Bello, La Estrella, Barbosa, Girardota and Copacabana.
And for the entire valley this is from 7:00 am until 7:00 pm.
Starting on April 27:
- Monday, April 27: 7 and 8
- Tuesday, April 28: 9 and 0
- Wednesday, April 29: 1 and 2
- Thursday, April 30: 3 and 4
- Friday, May 1: 5 and 6
- Saturday, May 2: 7 and 8
- Sunday, May 3: 9, 0 and 1
And the following week:
- Monday, May 4: 2 and 3
- Tuesday, May 5: 4 and 5
- Wednesday, May 6: 6 and 7
- Thursday, May 7: 8 and 9
- Friday, May 8: 0 and 1
- Saturday, May 9: 2 and 3
- Sunday, May 10: 4, 5 and 6
April 13 to April 26 Pico y Cedula in the Aburrá Valley
Editors note: on Sunday, April 12 late at night, several municipalities announced changes to Pico y Cédula starting on April 13 to April 26. So far we have confirmed Medellín, Sabaneta, Itagüí, Bello, La Estrella, Barbosa, Girardota and Copacabana made changes that starts on April 13. It appears that Envigado plans to use its same Pico y Cedula for April 13 to April 26.
Below we look at the detailed schedules in the municipalities in the Aburrá Valley and Antioquia for April 13 to April 26:
Pico y Cedula in Medellín
Pico y Cedula in Medellín (without hours)April 13 to April 26
Starting on April 13:
- Monday, April 13: 7, 8 and 9
- Tuesday, April 14: 0 and 1
- Wednesday, April 15: 2 and 3
- Thursday, April 16: 4 and 5
- Friday, April 17: 6 and 7
- Saturday, April 18: 8 and 9
- Sunday, April 19: 0 and 1
And the following week:
- Monday, April 20: 2 and 3
- Tuesday, April 21: 4 and 5
- Wednesday, April 22: 6 and 7
- Thursday, April 23: 8 and 9
- Friday, April 24: 0 and 1
- Saturday, April 25: 2 and 3
- Sunday, April 26: 4, 5 and 6
Pico y Cedula in Envigado
Pico y Cedula in Envigado (from 7:00 am to 8:00 pm) April 13 to April 26
- Monday: 1, 2 and 3
- Tuesday: 4, 5 and 6
- Wednesday: 7, 8 and 9
- Thursday: 0, 1 and 2
- Friday: 3, 4 and 5
- Saturday: 6, 7 and 8
- Sunday: 9 and 0
Pico y Cedula in Sabaneta
Pico y Cedula in Sabaneta (from 7:00 am to 5:00 pm) April 13 to April 26
Starting on April 13:
- Monday, April 13: 7, 8 and 9
- Tuesday, April 14: 0 and 1
- Wednesday, April 15: 2 and 3
- Thursday, April 16: 4 and 5
- Friday, April 17: 6 and 7
- Saturday, April 18: 8 and 9
- Sunday, April 19: 0 and 1
And the following week:
- Monday, April 20: 2 and 3
- Tuesday, April 21: 4 and 5
- Wednesday, April 22: 6 and 7
- Thursday, April 23: 8 and 9
- Friday, April 24: 0 and 1
- Saturday, April 25: 2 and 3
- Sunday, April 26: 4, 5 and 6
Pico y Cedula in Itagüí
Pico y Cedula in Itagüí (from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm) April 13 to April 26
Starting on April 13:
- Monday, April 13: 7, 8 and 9
- Tuesday, April 14: 0 and 1
- Wednesday, April 15: 2 and 3
- Thursday, April 16: 4 and 5
- Friday, April 17: 6 and 7
- Saturday, April 18: 8 and 9
- Sunday, April 19: 0 and 1
And the following week:
- Monday, April 20: 2 and 3
- Tuesday, April 21: 4 and 5
- Wednesday, April 22: 6 and 7
- Thursday, April 23: 8 and 9
- Friday, April 24: 0 and 1
- Saturday, April 25: 2 and 3
- Sunday, April 26: 4, 5 and 6
Pico y Cedula in Bello
Pico y Cedula in Bello (without hours) April 13 to April 26
Starting on April 13:
- Monday, April 13: 7, 8 and 9
- Tuesday, April 14: 0 and 1
- Wednesday, April 15: 2 and 3
- Thursday, April 16: 4 and 5
- Friday, April 17: 6 and 7
- Saturday, April 18: 8 and 9
- Sunday, April 19: 0 and 1
And the following week:
- Monday, April 20: 2 and 3
- Tuesday, April 21: 4 and 5
- Wednesday, April 22: 6 and 7
- Thursday, April 23: 8 and 9
- Friday, April 24: 0 and 1
- Saturday, April 25: 2 and 3
- Sunday, April 26: 4, 5 and 6
Pico y Cedula in La Estrella
Pico y Cedula in La Estrella (from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm) April 13 to April 26
Starting on April 13:
- Monday, April 13: 8 and 9
- Tuesday, April 14: 0 and 1
- Wednesday, April 15: 2 and 3
- Thursday, April 16: 4 and 5
- Friday, April 17: 6 and 7
- Saturday, April 18: 8 and 9
- Sunday, April 19: 0 and 1
And the following week:
- Monday, April 20: 2 and 3
- Tuesday, April 21: 4 and 5
- Wednesday, April 22: 6 and 7
- Thursday, April 23: 8 and 9
- Friday, April 24: 0 and 1
- Saturday, April 25: 2 and 3
- Sunday, April 26: 4 and 5
Pico y Cedula in Copacabana (from 7:00 am to 6:00 pm) April 13 to April 26
Starting on April 13:
- Monday, April 13: 7, 8 and 9
- Tuesday, April 14: 0 and 1
- Wednesday, April 15: 2 and 3
- Thursday, April 16: 4 and 5
- Friday, April 17: 6 and 7
- Saturday, April 18: 8 and 9
- Sunday, April 19: 0 and 1
And the following week:
- Monday, April 20: 2 and 3
- Tuesday, April 21: 4 and 5
- Wednesday, April 22: 6 and 7
- Thursday, April 23: 8 and 9
- Friday, April 24: 0 and 1
- Saturday, April 25: 2 and 3
- Sunday, April 26: 4, 5 and 6
Pico y Cedula in Barbosa (without hours) April 13 to April 26
Starting on April 13:
- Monday, April 13: 7, 8 and 9
- Tuesday, April 14: 0 and 1
- Wednesday, April 15: 2 and 3
- Thursday, April 16: 4 and 5
- Friday, April 17: 6 and 7
- Saturday, April 18: 8 and 9
- Sunday, April 19: 0 and 1
And the following week:
- Monday, April 20: 2 and 3
- Tuesday, April 21: 4 and 5
- Wednesday, April 22: 6 and 7
- Thursday, April 23: 8 and 9
- Friday, April 24: 0 and 1
- Saturday, April 25: 2 and 3
- Sunday, April 26: 4, 5 and 6
Pico y Cedula in Girardota April 13 to April 19
From April 13 to 19:
- Monday: 4 and 5 – 7:00 am to 2:00 pm / 6 and 7 – 2:00 pm to 7:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8 and 9 – 7:00 am to 2:00 pm / 0 and 1 – 2:00 pm to 7:00 pm
- Wednesday: 2 and 3 – 7:00 am to 2:00 pm / 4 and 5 – 2:00 pm to 7:00 pm
- Thursday: 6 and 7 – 7:00 am to 2:00 pm / 8 and 9 – 2:00 pm to 7:00 pm
- Friday: 0 and 1 – 7:00 am to 2:00 pm / 2 and 3 – 2:00 pm to 7:00 pm
- Saturday: 4 and 5 – 7:00 am to 2:00 pm / 6 and 7 – 2:00 pm to 7:00 pm
- Sunday: 8 and 9 – 7:00 am to 2:00 pm / 0 and 1 – 2:00 pm to 7:00 pm
Pico y Cedula in Rionegro starting on June 1, 2020
Other Municipalities in Antioquia
Other municipalities in Antioquia tend to have a different schedule:
For example, in Rionegro starting on June 1, this is the schedule from 8 am to 6 pm:
- Monday: 0 and 1
- Tuesday: 2 and 3
- Wednesday: 4 and 5
- Thursday: 6 and 7
- Friday: 8 and 9
- Saturday and Sunday: restricted for all
Pico y Cedula in Marinilla starting on June 1, 2020
And for Marinilla, starting on June 1, this is the schedule from 8 am to 5 pm:
- Monday: 0 and 1
- Tuesday: 2 and 3
- Wednesday: 4 and 5
- Thursday: 6 and 7
- Friday: 8 and 9
- Saturday and Sunday: varies by weekend shown in the above graphic.
Medellin Guru’s Coronavirus Series
Medellin Guru has a series of articles about the coronavirus pandemic and the impacts in Colombia: Also, these articles are being kept up-to-date, as this is a fast-moving topic:
- Humanitarian Flights from Colombia to the U.S. and Other Countries
- Medellín Starts Free COVID-19 Tests on the Medellín Metro
- Medellín Starts to Lift the Quarantine: Enters Smart Isolation Phase
- Colombia Started to Lift the Quarantine – What Does this Mean?
- Coronavirus: When Will the Quarantine Be Lifted in Colombia?
- Colombia Starts to Lift the Quarantine in COVID-19 Free Areas
- Colombia Quarantine: Nationwide Quarantine Extended to August 30
- Coronavirus in Colombia: Myth vs Reality – Current Status
- Coronavirus Hospitalization in Colombia: Myth vs Reality
- Are Medellín and Antioquia Winning the Coronavirus Battle?
- 23 Cities with a Major Increase in Coronavirus Cases in Colombia
- Colombia Coronavirus Death Rate: What are the Chances of Dying?
- Coronavirus: When Will Things Return to Normal in Colombia?
- COVID-19 Testing in Colombia: Realty About Coronavirus Testing
- Life as an Expat: During Medellín’s Coronavirus Quarantine
- Colombian Visa Process Changes: Due to Quarantine and Coronavirus
- Medellín Coronavirus Closures – What is Closed in Medellín?
- Pico y Cedula: A Restriction for Grocery Shopping in the Aburrá Valley During the Quarantine
- Medellín Quarantine Starts on March 20 for Four Days
The Bottom Line: Pico y Cedula: A Restriction for Grocery Shopping in Aburrá Valley
During the national Colombia quarantine, the ability for one person per family to go grocery shopping and go to pharmacies and banks are permitted activities.
However, all municipalities in the Aburrá Valley, Antioquia with Pico and Cedula are now limiting this activity in the stores, malls and banks in their jurisdictions to certain days and hours based on the last digit of your ID (cedula or passport). Also, the Medellin Metro system is using the Pico and Cedula system.
Find out the days you are permitted to shop in our article above and plan accordingly. We recommend staying at home as much as possible during the quarantine and stay safe.
Also, don’t forget you can order domicilio (home delivery). Pretty much all pharmacies and most supermarkets have delivery services. So, you can order any day of the week for home delivery.
Furthermore, see our guide to grocery shopping in Medellín with tips to save money. In addition, we will keep this article up-to-date if we find out other municipalities in Antioquia that have added Pico y Cedula.
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Editors note: updated on July 29, 2020 with the new Pico y Cedula schedule for Medellín and the Aburrá Valley until August 9.
Editors note: updated on August 8, 2020 with the new Pico y Cedula schedule for Medellín and the Aburrá Valley until August 17.
Editors note: updated on August 15, 2020 with the new Pico y Cedula schedule for Medellín and the Aburrá Valley until August 30.
Editors note: updated on August 25 with information that the last day of Pico y Cedula in Medellín and the Aburrá Valley is on August 30.
Editors note: updated on December 21 with information that Pico y Cedula will resume in Medellín on December 22.
Editors note: updated on January 7, 2021 with information that Pico y Cedula continues in Medellín until January 12,
Editors note: updated on January 14, 2021 with information that Pico y Cedula resumed in Medellín on January 14.
Editors note: updated on January 23, 2021 with information that Pico y Cedula in Medellín has been extended to at least January 26.
Editors note: updated on January 26, 2021 with information that Pico y Cedula in Medellín has been extended to at least February 2.
Editors note: updated on April 12, 2021 with new schedule for Pico y Cedula in Medellín and Antioquia.
Editors note: updated on April 28, 2021 with update for Pico y Cedula in Medellín and Antioquia.
Editors note: updated on May 10, 2021 with information that Pico y Cedula in Medellín and Antioquia is extended to May 17.
Editors note: updated on May 17, 2021 with information that Pico y Cedula in Medellín and Antioquia is extended to at least May 24.
50 thoughts on “Pico y Cedula: Grocery Shopping Restrictions During Quarantine”
Hello Jeff,
thank you for your excellent work.
During Pico y Cedula, what if my foreign passport ends with a letter istead of a digit?
Thank you for your reply!
Good question. Haven’t seen an answer to that anywhere. Does your passport still have numbers, perhaps the last number used. Or you have another ID like driver’s license with numbers that you could possible use.
Hi Jeff,
It’s already been announced that Medellin has extended the 4/3 quarantine to next weekend (14th 15th 16th) as well?
No, the strict quarantine is 15th, 16th and 17th of August due to a holiday on Monday the 17th and you can go out on Friday with IDs ending in 8 and 9. So, next week is 5/3. See (in Spanish): https://www.elcolombiano.com/antioquia/operativos-y-controles-en-vias-de-antioquia-durante-la-cuarentena-del-puente-festivo-del-7-de-agosto-BF13430670
Wow changing again at the last minute and not letting those with an ID ending in 9 go out shopping or banking this week. They need to plan better than this.
Friday is your designated day. I just checked. We all are allowed out every day for 2 hours for exercise. I am sure if you pass an atm machine you won’t get locked up for using it or if there is an open tienda you could grab a couple of items. This is bad but not as bad as it could be.
Take care and have faith this nightmare will be over soon.
Thanks for the update! Do you know if this affects our ability to go out each day for 2 hours exercise?
Sorry the announcement did not mention exercise. So, not sure. Will try to find out from the Sabaneta mayor’s office or police next time I can go out and update the article.
My wife talked to a police officer and unless you are in El Centro with the strict quarantine you can go out for exercise following the rules of the nationwide quarantine – age range of 18 to 69 years, for a maximum period of two (2) hours daily, adults over 70 years, for a maximum period of two (2) hours daily, children over 6 years old, three (3) times a week, one (1) hour a day, children between two (2) and five (5) years, three (3) times a week, half an hour a day. See: https://www.semana.com/nacion/articulo/44-excepciones-de-aislamiento-hasta-el-1-de-agosto–cuarentena-colombia/685363
Great thanks to you and your wife
Thanks for posting this update about pico y cedula, I bought several new things for the apartment today and saved 19 percent due to the tax free day.
Jeff, thanks for the great service you provide on MedellinGuru. You always have reliable info. I appreciate the latest Pico y Cedula. I’m 69 now, 70 this July. The rules are not clear what restrictions apply to my age group which changes in July. Any recent info on that or where to get it? Thanks much. Cheers.
Is there a new pico y Cedula for next week: May 25-31 ?
Just looked and can’t find a pico y cedula schedule anywhere for next week. We will update our articles when one is published.
Jeff, then II will use the same ones from the last week, Thank you have a great evening Don
Can you please post the current Pico y Cedula Rotation for the Supermercado in Medellin, Columbia.
Already included in the article near the top under the heading “New Pico y Cedula Starting on April 27”
Starting on April 27:
Monday, April 27: 7 and 8
Tuesday, April 28: 9 and 0
Wednesday, April 29: 1 and 2
Thursday, April 30: 3 and 4
Friday, May 1: 5 and 6
Saturday, May 2: 7 and 8
Sunday, May 3: 9, 0 and 1
And the following week:
Monday, May 4: 2 and 3
Tuesday, May 5: 4 and 5
Wednesday, May 6: 6 and 7
Thursday, May 7: 8 and 9
Friday, May 8: 0 and 1
Saturday, May 9: 2 and 3
Sunday, May 10: 4, 5 and 6
Thanks for the update on the newly revised VERY RESTRICTIVE pico y cedula schedule. Just when we thought we were easing up.
After speaking with my US embassy approved personal attorney, the city will be experiencing a major disruption beginning on the 16 July lasting for 2 weeks. From what he has told me its going to be pretty severe. From what I can surmise in general is reopening has had its challanges.
Hoping for an end to all this
pne day sooon.
Jeff. Thanks for being there for us. I personally know that staying on top of this and determing what is fake news and what is authentic can be a monumental undertaking. Thanks for your selfless efforts. I for one truly appreciate all you do to keep us updated. Have a great day.
Jeff, evening I was looking for a new shopping times that cover April 27 and on. Don
We have at the top of our article Pico y Cedula for the entire metro area. It doesn’t have shopping times listed and I think shopping times vary depending on the municipality.
These Restrictions change Weekly for no reason, my 2 days weekly have changed again today, one of my new days was today Monday so I lost a day, next week I can only leave my residence once, no one explains why, the statistical data does not warrant the extra restrictions. I am not allowed to go out for a walk, Police State by the back door, the Store Security asked to see my Cedula, unwilling to accept the number only, slowly destroying the Economy due to paranoia not based on facts.
Hi Jeff,
Thanks for keeping this info current.
Here’s a question and hopefully you know an answer or have a way around it.
I live in Medellin, near La Frontera, My new Pico y Cedula day this week is tomorrow, Tuesday (my number is 0)
I was on Thurs. which coincided with Envigado. The problem is that I have a prescription through Sura which must be picked up at a specialty pharmacy near the park downtown in Envigado.
How do I accomplish this now with the days being off? I’m at risk for fine in Medellin if I wait and go Thursday and I’m at risk of a fine in Envigado if I go Tuesday plus when I arrive at the pharmacy tomorrow I will likely be told “No, you have to come Thursday”
Steve
I recommend calling the pharmacy to ask. And maybe they offer domicilio (delivery) service.
I was afraid you’d say that! I don’t have a number for them and my Spanish is far too limited to even begin to speak to anyone on a phone for something like this.
Hi Steve,
I’m not an expert and I speak from my personal experience. I use ¨domicilios¨delivery with Colsubsidio and Helpharma, Colsubsidio use an app (medicamentos) you send a picture of your örden¨, and Helpharma use email, you ask them to send your medicine to your address, however FARMASUR Envigado has different drugstores in the same place so I’m not sure which one you are talking about. Hope you can solve this and I hope you and everyone are in a save place.
Hi Carolina,
This is for Neuromedica which I think may be the same as Farmasur, that name seems familiar. Another American friend uses that same place in Envigado and now has domocilio for her meds and I just got off a call with her. She’s fluent in Spanish and told me she called them for 4 days with zero results for setting up domicilio and had to get a local Colombian to call and help her. That person was on calls most of a day to get it figured out. So, if two people who are fluent take 5 days to work through the bureaucracy at Sura and these pharmacies I’m not going to begin to attempt it.
I guess I’ll go in person tomorrow and hope for the best!
Thanks,
Steve
Anyone have an idea if a copy of your passport will do or if you have to have the real thing present? I hate having to carry around my actual passport anywhere aside from the airport and usually, a copy will do but not sure in this situation? Thanks for the help.
For cedulas they won’t accept a copy. I only carry my cedula. But, likely the same for passports.
Gary, just do a video of ur passport with a stamp to show them. Usa stopped issueing passports so if u lose yours. U are in very bad shape. Dont see difference between a video passport … i mean photo copies can be photoshopped but a video cant… its real proof… Should be fine. I was in uber once and they pull us over and ask for my passport. Showed him my florids drivers license AND a clear video of my passport with the stamp and was ok..
I just saw in the Medellin Gringo Classifieds that you already knew about this! Sorry for my redundant comments! 🙁
My friend living in Laureles just informed me that the Justo y Bueno in her neighborhood is enforcing Pico y Cedula. I could not find any information to confirm this but she said only people with numbers 0, 1, and 2 were allowed to enter the store and shop today. I have not experienced this at my Justo y Bueno in Bombona but I’ll keep you posted.
Panama did same thing but assigned only 2-hour window based on Cedula #. That forced large group of people into a narrow time window, causing long lines (Increased exposure risk) and even rioting, looting.
Colombia’s better, spread out over the daytime should be less people at any given time
Trying to compare. Had I been travelling at the moment – I’d rather be stuck in Colombia instead.
In the US – SF suburb and rural areas, we can go out for exercise, just maintain social distancing – and get essentials anytime – market, stores, banks, post office, restaurants (TO GO) All delivery/courier operating (walmart.com, amazon.com, etc)
Is RAPPI or Uber Eats still running in Colombia? that’ll help people to stay in or unable to go out (ie, no public transport or high risk) Those apps are paid online so no handling of cash or tarjetas
Bien Salud!
Yes, RAPPI and Uber Eats are still working in Colombia.
Jeff, thank you so much for keeping us informed–really appreciate your efforts!
Thank you so much, I really appreciate it.
Marco
So I guess in Estadio Laureles they are not implementing the Pico y Placa?
Pico y Placa is for driving based on license plates and according to the news there is no Pica y Place in Medellín during the quarantine – https://vivirenelpoblado.com/no-habra-pico-y-placa-del-24-de-marzo-al-13-de-abril/
The new Pico y Cedula for grocery shopping hasn’t been implemented in Medellín. But things are changing fast, this could change.
Jeff I live in Belen I am not sure where it falls. English would be nice. Don
So far Pico y Cedula has not been implemented for Medellín where Belén is located, in fact Medellín announced not participating but this can change, see in Spanish here: https://www.minuto30.com/en-foto-atencion-en-medellin-no-habra-pico-y-placa-desde-el-24-de-marzo-hasta-el-13-de-abril/992487/
We will update our article if things change.
I just confirmed that this has indeed changed as of today. For Medellin, it’s:
Monday – 1-2-3
Tuesday- 4-5-6
Wednesday – 7-8-9
Thursday – 0-1-2
Friday – 3-4-5
Saturday – 6-7-8
Sunday – 9-0
Yes, we updated our article yesterday when it was announced.
I am living in Estadio Laureles with an US passport, near Calle 50, how do these rules apply to me?
Thank you!
Marco
So far Pico y Cedula has not been implemented for Medellín where Laureles-Estadio is located, in fact Medellín announced not participating but this can change, see in Spanish here: https://www.minuto30.com/en-foto-atencion-en-medellin-no-habra-pico-y-placa-desde-el-24-de-marzo-hasta-el-13-de-abril/992487/
Sorry I may have missed the latest CHANGES in the Pico y Placa regarding the Days I can go to the Market.
The last number in my US Passport is SIX/6, what day am I allowed to go out and shop?
Thank you,Marco!
It is Pico y Cedula and if your ID last number is 6 and you are in Medellín you can go shopping on Friday, April 17; Wednesday, April 22 and Sunday, April 26.
thank you
Can people that don’t have a Cedula just use their passport number?
Thank you.
Saw the comment above-please disregard.
I assume this doesn’t count for foreigners without a cedula? I for example don’t have a cedula, I’m staying here on a Tourist Visa (3+3 months)….
Reportedly applies to everyone. If don’t have a cedula, use the last digit of your passport.