Equatorial Guinea: Authorities maintain COVID-19 restrictions as of Dec. 16 /update 11

Authorities in Equatorial Guinea are maintaining COVID-19 measures and restrictions as of Dec. 16; international air travel possible.

Event

As of Dec. 16, authorities in Equatorial Guinea are maintaining restrictions to curb the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

International Travel
International travel has resumed, and nationals, residents, diplomats, businesses, and those who have received government approval are permitted to travel. Several requirements are in place, including the following:

Diplomatic and international organizations must submit a list of names and contact details to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation before arrival.
All arriving passengers must produce proof of having tested negative for COVID-19 using a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test taken within 48 hours before arrival.
Those who cannot provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test will be required to take a test and quarantine for three to five days in a government-approved location. If the results are positive, travelers will need to quarantine for 14 days at the traveler's own expense.

Domestic Measures

Domestic flights have resumed; however, flights between Malabo and the mainland are limited to one per day.
Land borders remain closed until further notice, except for government and diplomatic vehicles; however, sea borders are open.
Markets, places of worship, and cultural events have resumed operations nationwide. Sporting leagues, public parks, bars, street makers, and casinos have resumed operations as well; however, they may only operate at 50-percent capacity. Other mass gatherings remain prohibited.
The hotel industry is operating.
Protective facemasks are essential in public places.
Schools are reopening; classes resumed from Sept. 1 at 50-percent capacity.

Authorities could reimpose, extend, further ease, or otherwise amend any restrictions with little-to-no notice depending on disease activity over the coming weeks.

Context

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. The WHO declared the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak a pandemic March 11.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Carry proper identification documents to present at security checks. Heed all official advisories and remain non-confrontational if stopped by authorities. Consider delaying travel if experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19, as they may prompt increased scrutiny and delays and possibly result in quarantine. Carry proper identification documents to present at security checks.

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.