05 Sep 2020 | 06:56 AM UTC
Suriname: Authorities impose total lockdown until September 7 /update 6
Suriname government impose total lockdown nationwide between September 4-7 due to rise in COVID-19 cases; abide by government directives
Event
The Suriname government has announced a nationwide lockdown from Friday, September 4, at 20:00 (local time) until 05:00 on Monday, September 7. During this time frame, no one is allowed out on the streets, excluding movement for essential workers or medical emergencies. The measure has been introduced due to a rise in coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases.
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. However, exceptions are made for medical emergencies, freight operations, and repatriation.
As of Saturday, September 5, Suriname has recorded 4252 confirmed cases of COVID-19, with 75 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. |
