Côte d’Ivoire: Authorities extend COVID-19 state of emergency until August 31 /update 15

Event

The Ivorian government has announced that the state of emergency, which was introduced due to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, has been extended until August 31. However, authorities announced the easing of some measures, with bars and entertainment venues being allowed to reopen from Friday, July 31, with social distancing measures in place. Large-scale gatherings are also permitted at the discretion of local authorities.

Domestic commercial flights resumed on June 26, while limited international flights resumed on July 1. All passengers arriving in the country are subject to health checks and systematic follow-ups during their stay. Arrivals will also be encouraged to self-isolate for 14 days on arrival. Land and sea borders remain closed until further notice. The wearing of face masks in public is mandatory nationwide, although this has reportedly been poorly enforced.

As of July 31, health authorities have confirmed 15,978 COVID-19 cases and 100 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). Since then, human-to-human transmission of the virus has been confirmed.

Cases of the virus have been confirmed in numerous countries and territories worldwide. On March 11, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the global outbreak a pandemic. Virus-screening and quarantining measures are being implemented at airports worldwide, as well as extensive travel restrictions.

The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, dry cough, and tiredness. Some patients may experience other symptoms such as body pains, nasal congestion, headache, conjunctivitis, sore throat, diarrhea, loss of taste or smell or a rash on skin or discoloration of fingers or toes. These symptoms (in most cases mild) appear gradually. Generally, most patients (around 80 percent) recover from the disease without being hospitalized.

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.