Chad: First COVID-19 fatalities reported April 28 /update 7

Event

On Tuesday, April 28, Chadian health authorities confirmed the country's first two coronavirus disease (COVID-19)-related deaths.

President Idriss Déby Into announced a 21-day state of emergency on Saturday, April 25, allowing authorities to take necessary measures to contain the spread of COVID-19 This included the possibility to restrict or prohibit the movement of people and vehicles, the quarantine of infected individuals, the ban of public gatherings, and the closing of non-essential businesses. The decree also gives ministers the power to take measures to ensure that pharmacies can continue to operate. Those who violate these measures may face up to three months in prison.

An international flight suspension remains in effect until Friday, May 15, though does not apply to cargo flights.

Furthermore, 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.

A mandatory 14-day self-quarantine for travelers from, or who transited through countries with a high number of COVID-19 cases remains in effect.

As of Wednesday, April 29, there are 52 confirmed COVID-19 cases and two associated deaths 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.