Cape Verde: Authorities announce easing of travel restrictions June 3 /update 5

Event

On Wednesday, June 3, Cape Verde authorities announced the easing of certain restrictions to travel in the country amid the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. From June 3, inter-island travel by sea has been permitted between all islands, except Santiago, provided those wishing to travel have been granted a permit from the National Civil Protection Service. The permit will be granted following a negative COVID-19 test. Travel to and from Santiago island is expected to resume from June 30, as are domestic inter-island flights. Cape Verde's borders remain closed, and international flights are suspended indefinitely.

Social distancing measures are in force in Cape Verde, and the wearing of non-surgical masks is mandatory in enclosed public spaces, such as supermarkets, schools, restaurants, and public transport. Over-65s and those with chronic medical conditions are required to wear surgical masks at all times when outside their homes. Public gatherings are banned except for religious ceremonies such as funerals, with the latter being restricted to 20 people in attendance. Restaurants, cafes, and bars have been limited to 50 percent capacity. The government has declared that it is a civic duty to remain at home and only go outside for essential purposes, such as shopping for essential items, to seek medical care, exercise, and to work if unable to do so from home.

As of Saturday, June 6, there have been 536 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Cape Verde, with five associated fatalities. Further international spread of the virus is 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 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 flexed elbow or tissue - throw 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.