Guinea-Bissau: Authorities extend nationwide state of emergency to June 10 /update 5

Event

President Umaro Sissoco Embalo extended the country's state of emergency on Tuesday, May 26, for a further 15-days until Wednesday, June 10, in an effort to contain the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). A nationwide curfew between 20:00 and 06:00 (local time) remains in effect and individuals wishing to leave their homes for essential goods and services are allowed to do so between 07:00 and 14:00 only. Authorities also announced that individuals will be required to wear masks in all public places and are advised to continue respecting social distancing.

The government ordered the closure of the country's borders on March 17 and suspended all international flights; these measures remain in place. Places of worship, educational facilities, as well as restaurants and bars, remain closed and there is a ban on gatherings as well for the duration of the state of emergency.

As of May 26, there are 1178 confirmed COVID-19 cases in Guinea-Bissau and seven associated fatalities nationwide. Further international spread of the virus 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 quarantine 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 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.