Chad: Authorities extend and shorten nightly curfew in N’Djamena and other regions until July 20 /update 12

Event

Chadian authorities have extended and shortened the nightly 22:00 to 05:00 (local time) curfew in the capital N'Djamena and other regions between 22:00 and 05:00 (local time) until at least July 20 amid efforts to curb the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). The curfew is in effect in N'Djamena, Logone Occidental, Logone Oriental, Mayo-Kebbi Ouest, Guera, Kanem, and Mayo-Kebbi Est regions; Mandelia and Lougoun sub-prefectures in Chari Baguirmi region; and N'Djamena Fara sub-prefecture in Hadjer-Lamis region. Individuals are only permitted to leave their homes for essential services during the curfew hours.

A health emergency remains in place throughout the country and restrictions on movement and public gatherings remain in place. Entry and exit into the capital N'Djamena and provincial capitals remains prohibited amid ongoing quarantine measures. Cargo and freight services serving these cities are exempt, though services are limited. N'Djamena International Airport (NDJ) remains closed and all international commercial passenger flights are also suspended until further notice; this does not apply to cargo and emergency flights. Land borders remain closed officially, though according to reports some border crossings with Sudan, Libya, and Niger are open for freight and passenger traffic. Face masks remain mandatory for all individuals to wear in public nationwide since May 7; individuals who do not adhere to the instruction will be fined or faced with imprisonment.

Certain activities and businesses in Chad, including nonessential shops, markets, and restaurants with takeaway services, have been allowed to resume operations since May 21. Social distancing and hygiene measures must be adhered to in these establishments. Public transport services have resumed with a limited passenger capacity. Penalties including fines or possible imprisonment will be given to individuals found to be violating measures imposed.

As of Tuesday, July 7, there are 872 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Chad and 74 associated fatalities. Further international 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 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.