Côte d’Ivoire: Authorities extend state of emergency until July 15, while international flight operations will resume on July 1 /update 13

Event

Ivorian authorities announced on Thursday, June 25, that international and domestic flights would resume amid the easing of some coronavirus disease (COVID-19) measures. The Ivorian National Security Council stated that airports will reopen to international flights on Wednesday, July 1, following the resumption of domestic flights on Friday, June 26. All passengers arriving into the country will be subjected to health checks and systematic follow-ups during their stay.

In addition, the state of emergency has been extended until July 15, in an effort to curb the spread of COVID-19. Nightclubs, cinemas, bars, and theatres are also scheduled to reopen on June 30.

Travel to and from the Greater Abidjan region to other parts of the country remains restricted through July 14, unless travelers obtain a travel pass through the relevant authorities. In addition, the use of protective face masks is mandatory in all public places nationwide, and those who do not comply are liable to be sanctioned by the authorities. 

As of June 25, health authorities have confirmed 8164 COVID-19 cases and 58 associated deaths in the country. Further 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 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.