Côte d’Ivoire: COVID-19 restrictive measures eased as of May 8 /update 10

Event

Ivorian President Alassane Ouattara announced on Thursday, May 7, that the country would begin easing coronavirus disease (COVID-19) measures on Friday, May 8. Measures were to be relaxed nationwide except for Abidjan and some surrounding suburbs, where a state of emergency is in place until at least Friday, May 15. However, the curfew in Abidjan will be shortened from 21:00 to 05:00 (local time) to 23:00 to 04:00. The state of emergency means restaurants, maquis, bars, nightclubs, cinemas and places of entertainment remain closed, and gatherings of more than 50 people are banned. Elsewhere, schools, restaurants, bars and concert venues have reopened, and gatherings of up to 200 people are allowed. 

The government declared a state of emergency on 23 March and banned all movement of people to and from Abidjan. Areas impacted by the state of emergency include the District of Abidjan, Dabou, Azaguie, Bingerville, Grand-Bassam, Bonoua, Assinie and up to PK30 on the Abidjan-Yamoussoukro motorway.

The use of protective face masks is mandatory in all public places nationwide, and those who do not comply are liable to be sanctioned by the authorities. 

The country's borders remain closed until further notice and international flights to and from Côte d'Ivoire were suspended indefinitely on March 22, except for humanitarian and security purposes.

To date, there are 1730 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the country, with 21 associated deaths. Further international spread of the virus is 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 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.