Tunisia: Air, sea, and land borders reopen June 27 /update 13

Event

On Saturday, June 27,  Tunisian authorities reopened the country's air, sea, and land borders after three months of closure as part of precautionary measures to curb the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). International airports have also reopened and international flights to and from Tunisia resumed on Saturday. Some flight operations restarted at Tunis Carthage International Airport (TUN), with flights scheduled to depart from Rome, Paris, and Geneva.

Authorities have been easing restrictions gradually over several weeks. The nationwide curfew was lifted on June 15, after Prime Minister Elyes Fakhfakh announced that the country had brought the coronavirus outbreak under control. Domestic travel between cities and regions resumed on June 4, the same day that mosques, cafes, and restaurants reopened. Public transportation also resumed operations at a 50 percent capacity on June 4, and public administration, businesses, and services began operating at a full capacity. It remains mandatory for individuals to wear face masks in public places and workplaces.

As of Monday, June 29, there are 1169 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Tunisia, with 50 associated deaths. 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). 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 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 general risk of 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.