Azerbaijan: Authorities extend nationwide COVID-19 measures until November 2 /update 14

Event

Azerbaijani authorities have extended nationwide quarantine measures and other restrictions due to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic until at least November 2. Under the extended measures, land borders will remain closed, except for freight traffic. Most passenger flights remain suspended, except for flights to select destinations for citizens, residents of Azerbaijan, their immediate families, and individuals who have permits to work or study in Azerbaijan. Those entering the country must present a negative test for COVID-19 dated within the previous 48 hours of arrival and may be subject to a 14-day quarantine at a government-designated facility. Public transport in Baku, Sumgayit, and Absheron is suspended on weekends. Several non-essential businesses have been allowed to resume operations; however, some non-essential industries, such as cinemas and gyms, remain closed.

Protective face masks are compulsory in public spaces, and gatherings of more than five people remain prohibited.

As of Wednesday, September 30, there have been 40,229 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Azerbaijan with 591 associated fatalities. Further international spread of the virus is to be 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.