Congo: Authorities extend nationwide curfew orders until June 20 /update 6

Event

The Congolese government has extended the nationwide curfew orders due to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic until at least June 20. The curfew is effective between 20:00 and 05:00 (local time). The curfew extension comes amid rising COVID-19 case numbers, with the local transmission rate now higher than that of imported cases. Lockdown measures such as the prohibition of non-essential travel, closure of shops selling non-essential goods, places of worship, schools and educational institutions, and bars will remain in place.

Domestic and international flights remain suspended, masks are compulsory for people in public places, and local public transportation is only allowed to operate in some areas and at a limited capacity.

As of Saturday, June 6, authorities have confirmed 635 cases of COVID-19 in the country and 20 associated deaths. Further international spread of the virus is to be expected over 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 non-essential 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.