Niger: Authorities ease COVID-19 restrictions May 12 /update 6

Event

On Tuesday, May 12, authorities announced that the curfew in place in Niamey since Saturday, March 28, to contain the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) will be lifted with immediate effect. Additionally, the government announced the reopening of places of worship throughout the country as of Wednesday, May 13, on the condition that worshippers respect social distancing measures and wear face masks.

Authorities previously extended the suspension of all international commercial flights until Saturday, May 23. A curfew remains in place between 21:00 and 05:00 (local time) throughout the rest of the country. Niger's borders remain closed except for freight and emergency services. The wearing of face masks is mandatory in all public places.

As of May 13, there are 854 confirmed COVID-19 cases and 47 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 (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 general risk of transmission, travelers are advised to abide the following measures:

• Frequently clean hands by using alcohol-based hand rub or 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.