Chad: Authorities announce 21-day state of emergency until May 14 /update 6

Event

On Saturday, April 25, President Idriss Déby Into announced a 21-day state of emergency effective immediately allowing authorities to take necessary measures in order to contain the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in the country. The declaration includes the authority to restrict or prohibit the movement of people and vehicles, to quarantine infected individuals, ban on public gatherings, and to close non-essential businesses. The decree also gives ministers the power to requisition goods and services needed and to call upon any person necessary for the operation of these services. The state of emergency will remain in place until Thursday, May 14. According to the declaration, violation of measures implemented by authorities will result in penalties up to three months imprisonment.

An international flight suspension remains effective as of Tuesday, April 28, until Friday, May 15. The restriction does not apply to cargo flights.

A curfew remains in place between 20:00 and 05:00 (local time) in the western provinces of Logone Occidental, Logone Oriental, Mayo-Kebbi Ouest, Mayo-Kebbi Est, and in the capital of N'Djamena and its surrounding areas.

Previously, authorities had announced a mandatory 14-day self-quarantine for travelers from, or who transited through countries with a high number of COVID-19 cases.

As of Tuesday, April 27, there are 46 confirmed COVID-19 cases nationwide. Further international spread of the virus is expected in 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 COVID-19 transmission, travelers are advised to abide by the following measures:

• Frequently clean hands by using alcohol-based hand rub or 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.