Cape Verde: International marine and air passenger transportation resumes from October 12 /update 7

Event

Cape Verdean authorities announced on Monday, October 12, that the resumption of international marine and air passenger transportation into the country has resumed with immediate effect. Travelers entering the country must show a COVID-19 PCR-RT test that was administered within 72-hours of departure to gain entry to Cape Verde. Children under age seven are exempt from presenting a COVID-19 PCR-RT test result. On July 15, inter-island passenger flights and maritime transportation resumed between all islands.

The government in Cape Verde currently has a state of calamity for the islands of Santiago and Sal, and Fogo through October 31. Under the state of calamity, social distancing measures will remain in place, including the mandatory use of face masks in indoor public spaces.

As of Tuesday, September 13, there have been 7254 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Cape Verde, with 77 associated fatalities. 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). 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 labored 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 general risk of transmission, travelers are advised to abide 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 flexed elbow or tissue - throw 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.