Seychelles: Authorities ease COVID-19 restrictions from June 1 /update 4

Event

On Monday, June 1, Seychelles authorities eased restrictions originally imposed to limit the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. Restaurants and shops are allowed to resume trading, with social distancing measures in place. Furthermore, indoor seated shows, conferences and meetings, bars, casinos, sports competitions (with no spectators), gyms, cinemas, and recreational boating are now permitted. Beach activities with members of the same household are now allowed, however, beach parties remain banned.

Additionally, inter-island public transport has resumed, and the Seychelles International Airport (SEZ) has reopened, although commercial passenger flights are not expected to resume before July. Private and charter flights for tourists are permitted, provided passengers provide a negative COVID-19 test that is no older than 48 hours from the time of boarding. Travelers must provide proof of their accommodation, and they will not be permitted to leave their resort to travel between islands. Entry by sea has also reopened, although arrivals are required to pass immigration at Port Victoria and to have spent at least 14-days at sea with daily temperature checks prior to arrival.

As of June 7, there have been 11 confirmed cases nationwide, with no associated fatalities. Further international spread of the virus is expected.

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 trouble 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.