Djibouti: Authorities to allow international flights to resume from July 18 /update 4

Event

The government of Djibouti announced on Friday, July 17, that international flights will resume from Saturday, July 18, as the number of new coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases has dropped in recent weeks, with more people having recovered from the virus.

The Minister of Transport Mohamed Muse Ahmed also stated that the authorities are deploying qualified health workers to Djibouti-Ambouli International Airport (JIB) to conduct COVID-19 tests for passengers arriving or transiting through the country from July 18.

Other restrictions in place include the mandatory use of face coverings in public, and private spaces where social distancing is not possible, as well as a ban on gatherings of more than ten people.

As of July 17, there have been 5003 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the country, and 56 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 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, and difficulty breathing, seek medical care urgently and share your previous travel history with your health care provider.