Guinea: Authorities ease COVID-19 restrictions on July 15 /update 9

Event

Authorities in Guinea eased restrictions previously put in place to limit the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) on Wednesday, July 15. As part of the easing, international commercial flights will be permitted to resume gradually, with initial flights set to be with countries that sign reciprocal agreements with Guinea. Officials have yet to comment on the reopening of land and maritime borders. Additionally, the curfew in Conakry, the last city in the country with such a measure, has been shortened to between 00:00 and 04:00. However, the state of emergency has been extended by 30 days, from July 15, with the president citing the lack of respect of social distancing measures as a reason for the extension. The state of emergency gives the government the power to implement necessary measures to limit the spread of the disease.

Other restrictive measures will remain in place, including mandatory use of face masks in public spaces, closure of schools and nonessential shops, and a ban on public gatherings of more than 20 people.

As of Friday, July 17, health authorities have confirmed 6359 COVID-19 cases and 39 associated fatalities in the country. Further international spread of the virus is to be expected over 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 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.