Burkina Faso: Authorities ease lockdown measures May 4 /update 7

Event

On Monday, May 4, Burkinabe authorities announced in a decree that the ban on travel between cities, imposed since Monday, April 20, to contain the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), will be lifted with immediate effect to stimulate the country's economy. The decree further states that all religious institutions will be allowed to reopen as of Sunday, May 10, although certain ceremonies will not be allowed.

As of Tuesday, May 5, movement throughout the country is prohibited between 21:00 and 04:00 (local time) and land and air borders remain closed to all but freight traffic, although internal flights are expected to resume.

All bars, restaurants, markets, and schools also remain closed, and some public gatherings continue to be prohibited. The use of face masks is mandatory in public places nationwide.

As of May 5, there are 672 confirmed COVID-19 cases and 46 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 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 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 virus.