Burkina Faso: Overnight curfew in effect from March 21 /update 3

Event

Authorities in Burkina Faso have implemented an overnight curfew between 19:00 to 05:00 (local time) from Saturday, March 21, to prevent further spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) in the country. Commercial flights out of Ouagadougou and Bobo-Dioulasso have also been suspended and all land and rail border crossing points are also closed for two weeks from March 21.

Other containment measures also remain in place as of Saturday. All gatherings of more than 50 people are prohibited. Restrictive measures may be put in place in cinemas, restaurants, drinking places, markets, and other public areas. Individuals are being asked to practice good hygiene and follow all health directives issued by the World Health Organization. Authorities earlier announced a ban on all demonstrations and public gatherings until at least Thursday, April 30.

As of March 20, 40 cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed in the country. Further international spread of the virus is expected over the near term.

Context

The first case of COVID-19 was reported on December 31 and the source of the outbreak has been linked to a wet market in Wuhan (Hubei province, China). Human-to-human and patient-to-medical staff transmission of the virus have been confirmed. Many of the associated fatalities have been due to pneumonia caused by the virus.

Cases of the virus have been confirmed in numerous countries and territories worldwide. Virus-screening and quarantining measures are being implemented at airports worldwide, as well as extensive travel restrictions. On March 11, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared COVID-19 a pandemic.

Pneumonia symptoms include dry cough, chest pain, fever, and labored breathing. Pneumonia can be contagious and can be transmitted from human to human. The influenza virus, or the flu, is a common cause of viral pneumonia.

Advice

Measures adopted by local authorities evolve quickly and are usually effective immediately. Depending on the evolution of the outbreak in other countries, authorities are likely to modify, at very short notice, the list of countries whose travelers are subject to border control measures or entry restrictions upon their arrival to the territory in question. It is advised to postpone nonessential travel due to the risk that travelers may be refused entry or be subject to quarantine upon their arrival or during their stay.

To reduce the risk of transmission, travelers are advised to abide by the following measures:

• Frequently clean hands by applying an alcohol-based hand rub or washing with soap and water.
• When coughing and sneezing, cover mouth and nose with a flexed elbow or tissue; if used, throw the tissue away immediately and wash hands.
• If experiencing a fever, cough, difficulty breathing, or any other symptoms suggestive of respiratory illness, including pneumonia, call emergency services before going to the doctor or hospital to prevent the potential spread of the virus.