11 Aug 2020 | 02:08 PM UTC
Suriname: Authorities extend curfew and other COVID-19 measures until August 23 /update 5
Curfew hours revised to 20:00 - 05:00 and extended until August 23; abide by government directives
Event
President Chan Santokhi announced on Monday, August 10, that the daily nationwide curfew in Suriname due to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has been extended to at least August 23 and revised to between 20:00 and 05:00 (local time). Face masks are mandatory in all public spaces. Restaurants and pharmacies will offer collection services only and nightclubs and casinos will remain closed. Gatherings of more than five people are prohibited unless related to work or educational purposes, funerals, or religious events, where the limit will be 50 people in attendance.
Suriname has closed its international borders, including ferry services to Guyana, until at least August 14. However, exceptions are made for medical emergencies, freight operations, and repatriation.
As of Tuesday, August 11, Suriname has recorded 2489 confirmed cases of COVID-19, with 30 associated deaths. Further international spread of the virus is 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). 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:
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Frequently clean hands by applying an alcohol-based hand rub or washing with soap and water. |
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When coughing and sneezing, cover mouth and nose with a flexed elbow or tissue; if used, throw the tissue away immediately and wash hands. |
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If experiencing a fever, cough, difficulty breathing, or any other symptoms suggestive of COVID-19 call emergency services before going to the doctor or hospital to prevent the potential spread of the disease. |
