Azerbaijan: Government extends nationwide quarantine measures until May 4 /update 4

Event

On Saturday, April 18, Azerbaijani authorities announced that the current quarantine restrictions in place nationwide will be extended for a further two weeks until Monday, May 4, amid the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.

Under the measures, individuals over the age of 65 are prohibited from leaving their homes. The country's borders with neighboring Georgia and Iran will also remain closed during this period. Travel to and from the capital Baku, Sumgayit, and Absheron is restricted, with the exception of special-purpose vehicles and cargo transportation vehicles. Passenger transportation between cities and districts is suspended, as is the operation of all shopping centers, except for grocery stores, supermarkets, and pharmacies. Further, public gatherings of more than ten people have been banned and, as of Sunday, March 29, walking in parks and boulevards is also prohibited.

To date, there have been 1373 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Azerbaijan, including 18 associated fatalities. Further international spread of the virus is expected over the coming days and weeks.

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 COVID-19 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.