Tanzania: Authorities announce mandatory quarantine for some travelers March 23 /update 1

Event

On Monday, March 23, the Government of Tanzania announced additional travel measures to limit the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19). All travelers, including foreigners and residents, arriving from COVID-19 affected countries will be subjected to a mandatory 14-day quarantine at designated government facilities at their own cost. Additionally, travelers will need to fill in a health surveillance form and will be subject to intensive health screening upon arrival, and authorities may also administer COVID-19 rapid testing on individuals. The government has advised the public to avoid non-essential travel to COVID-19 affected countries. Meanwhile, a ban on all tourist flights remains in place as of Saturday, March 21. All tourist hotels have also been closed as of Friday, March 20, as a precautionary measure.

As of Tuesday, March 24, authorities have confirmed 12 COVID-19 cases nationwide. Further international spread of the virus is to be 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 the global outbreak a pandemic.

Pneumonia symptoms include dry cough, chest pain, fever, and trouble 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 disease.