Liberia: Government reduce nightly curfew and extend state of emergency to June 7 /update 9

Event

The Government of Liberia announced on Friday, May 22, a two-week extension to the state of emergency, and the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) restrictions imposed under it, until at least Sunday, June 7. The nationwide curfew remains in place albeit with reduced hours; the curfew will run from 18:00 to 06:00 (local time).

President George Manneh Weah Sr. also announced that under the restrictions restaurants, food/dry goods/building materials and electronic appliances stores are allowed to reopen as long as they ensure social distancing measures are met and only permit a 25 percent customer intake. All other previous restrictions which have been imposed under the state of emergency remain in place, including a ban on travel between counties.

President Weah reopened mosques from Friday, May 15, and churches from Sunday, May 17. Capacity at the places of worship are to be limited to 25 percent and social distancing measures also apply.

Foreign travelers are prohibited from entering Liberia and the country's land borders with Sierra Leone, Guinea, and Cote d'Ivoire remain closed, although essential goods transportation is exempt. Schools and universities remain shut. Authorities have urged people to minimize travel within Liberia, avoid large gatherings, and observe good personal hygiene.

As of Wednesday, May 27, there are 266 confirmed COVID-19 cases in Liberia and 27 associated deaths nationwide. Further international spread of the virus if 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 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.