Chad: Authorities extend nightly curfew in N’Djamena and other regions until September 14 /update 16

Event

Chadian authorities have extended a nightly curfew in effect for the capital N'Djamena and other regions until at least September 14 amid the continued spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). The curfew remains in effect between 23:00 and 05:00 (local time) in the N'Djamena, Logone Occidental, Logone Oriental, Mayo-Kebbi Ouest, Guera, Kanem, and Mayo-Kebbi Est regions; the Mandelia and Lougoun sub-prefectures in the Chari Baguirmi region; and the N'Djamena Fara sub-prefecture in the Hadjer-Lamis region. Those in these areas are only permitted to leave their places of residence during curfew hours if providing or seeking essential services.   

A health emergency remains in place throughout the country, including restrictions on movement and public gatherings. Entry and exit into N'Djamena and provincial capitals remains prohibited amid ongoing quarantine measures. Cargo and freight services serving these cities are exempt, although services are limited. Face masks remain mandatory for all individuals in public spaces; individuals who do not adhere to the instruction may be fined or imprisoned.

Commercial flights resumed in Chad from August 1. Travelers arriving in the country will be required to present a negative COVID-19 test certificate dated no more than 72 hours prior to arrival. Travelers must also surrender their passport and quarantine for seven days. On the seventh day they are required to take a COVID-19 test; upon presentation of the test receipt, their passport will be returned.

Certain businesses in Chad, including nonessential shops, markets, and restaurants offering takeaway services, have been allowed to resume operations since the end of May. Social distancing and hygiene measures must be adhered to in these establishments. Public transport services have also resumed with limited passenger capacity.

As of Tuesday, September 1, there have been 1013 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Chad and 77 associated deaths. 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). 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 using alcohol-based hand rub or 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.