Guinea: Nationwide state of emergency extended until May 15 /update 5

Event

The government of Guinea announced that the current state of emergency, as well as the existing nationwide curfew between 21:00 and 05:00 (local time), will be extended until Friday, May 15, to control the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). On Friday, April 24, the US government announced that no repatriation flights are being organized from Guinea at this time and warned that US citizens in the country must be prepared to stay until commercial flights become available again.

Other restrictive measures, including the closure of schools and nonessential shops, and a ban on public gatherings of more than 20 people also remain in place. Additionally, authorities banned all travel from Conakry - where most COVID-19 cases have been confirmed - to the rest of the country without a special derogation from the Ministry of Health. Authorities closed Conakry Gbessia International Airport (CKY) on Monday, March 23, and canceled multiple sporting events and competitions.

As of Friday, April 24, there are 862 confirmed COVID-19 cases and six associated fatalities in the country. Further international spread of the virus is to be expected over 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 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 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.