Côte d’Ivoire: Nationwide curfew extended through May 8 /update 8

Event

On Friday, April 24, authorities announced that the current nationwide curfew will be extended until Friday, May 8, in an effort to contain the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). During the curfew, individuals are not permitted to leave their place of residence between 21:00 and 05:00 (local time).

The use of protective face masks is mandatory in all public places nationwide. Those who do not comply with the new measure are liable to be sanctioned by authorities. Schools and universities will remain closed until Sunday, May 17.

Ivorian President Alassane Ouattara declared a state of emergency on Monday, March 23, and banned all nonessential travel between Abidjan, where the majority of COVID-19 cases have been reported, and the rest of the country. The country's air, land, and sea borders have been closed to traffic since Friday, March 22.

As of April 28, there are 1164 confirmed COVID-19 cases and 14 related deaths 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 the global outbreak 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 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.