Chad: Curfew times readjusted and extended April 15 /update 4

Event

The Chadian government published a presidential decree on Wednesday, April 15, announcing a two-week extension to the nationwide curfew due to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak. The curfew hours have also been revised and will now be two hours shorter, now between 20:00 and 05:00 (local time). The previous curfew was implemented between 19:00 and 06:00. The curfew will be in effect 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.

On Thursday, April 9, Chadian authorities announced that the suspension of all international flights, set to expire on Friday, April 10, would be extended until at least Saturday, April 25. The restriction does not apply to cargo flights.

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 April 15, there are 23 confirmed COVID-19 cases nationwide. Further international spread of the virus is to be 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.