31 Dec 2020 | 03:48 PM UTC
Comoros: COVID-19-related restrictions remain in place nationwide as of Dec. 31 /update 2
Several COVID-19 restrictions remain in place as of Dec. 31. International flights have resumed.
Event
As of Dec. 31, authorities in Comoros are maintaining measures put in place as part of the country's efforts to curb the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
International Travel Restrictions:
International flights have restarted, provided the country of origin or destination is approved by the Comorian government.
International travelers will need to present a negative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test taken no more than 72 hours before arrival. Children aged eleven and under are exempt from the test requirement.
Travelers who do not arrive with a negative PCR test will be required to quarantine for three to five days at a designated hotel until test results are negative.
The status of sea borders remains unclear.
Domestic Restrictions
Domestic flights, including inter-island travel, has resumed; all travelers are required to present a negative PCR test taken no more than 72 hours before departure.
A nightly curfew 2000-0500 remains in place.
The number of passengers in public transport remains limited to 10 people on buses and four in taxis.
All previously considered nonessential businesses remain open.
The wearing of protective facemasks and social distancing measures is mandatory in public.
Religious gatherings are permitted, provided that social distancing is adhered to.
All weddings and public gatherings remain prohibited until further notice.
A visibly increased security presence is likely throughout Comoros. Authorities are likely to amend and implement new restrictions and measures at short notice.
Context
Comoros' travel restrictions and preventive measures are similar to actions other governments are taking globally in response to the spread of COVID-19. COVID-19 is a viral respiratory disease caused by infection with the SARS-CoV-2 virus (previously known as 2019-nCoV). Symptoms occur 1-14 days following exposure (average of 3-7 days). These symptoms include fever, fatigue, cough, difficulty breathing, sometimes worsening to pneumonia and kidney failure - especially in those with underlying medical conditions. On March 11, the WHO declared the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak a pandemic.
Advice
Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all travel arrangements. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions. Reconsider and reconfirm nonemergency health appointments. Plan for queues and delays at available shopping centers.
Emphasize basic health precautions, especially frequent handwashing with soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are unavailable. Practice good coughing/sneezing etiquette (i.e., covering coughs and sneezes with a disposable tissue, maintaining distance from others, and washing hands). There is no evidence that the influenza vaccine, antibiotics, or antiviral medications will prevent this disease, highlighting the importance of diligent basic health precautions.
