Chad: Authorities extend international flight suspension through June 15 /update 10

Event

On Saturday, May 30, the Chadian government announced the extension of the suspension of international flights through Monday, June 15, due to the ongoing coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. The measures, originally due to elapse on Sunday, May 31, concerns all passenger flights entering Chad. Only cargo flights are currently permitted entry into the country.

A health emergency remains in place throughout the country, and restrictions on movement and public gatherings remain in place. Quarantine measures that prohibit entry and exit into N'Djamena and other regional capitals are active through Friday, June 5. Vehicles transporting goods and food are exempt from the ban. A curfew is also in place in N'Djamena and the provinces of Logone Occidental, Logone Oriental, Mayo-Kebbi Ouest, Mayo-Kebbi Est between 20:00 (local time) and 05:00. Authorities announced that the wearing of face masks in public is mandatory and that individuals who do not adhere to the instruction will be fined and could face up to 15-days imprisonment.

As of Tuesday, June 2, health authorities have confirmed 790 cases of COVID-19 in Chad, as well as 66 associated fatalities. 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 (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 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 risk of COVID-19 transmission, travelers are advised to abide by 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.