08 Dec 2020 | 12:37 PM UTC
Guinea-Bissau: COVID-19 measures maintained as of Dec. 8 /update 13
Authorities in Guinea-Bissau maintain COVID-19 state of calamity response through early December. International flights ongoing.
Event
As of Dec. 8, authorities in Guinea-Bissau are maintaining the nationwide state of calamity as part of the government's efforts to slow the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19). The edict follows repeated extensions of the country's state of emergency and the gradual lifting of some of the associated restrictive measures.
International passenger flights have been allowed to resume in recent months; although flights are limited, humanitarian, medical, and cargo flights have continued. All travelers intending on entering the country will only be permitted entry with a negative COVID-19 test taken up to 72 hours before travel. Travelers without a test certificate will be quarantined for 14 days. Travelers who display symptoms, or have been in contact with other travelers who display symptoms, also risk isolation and quarantine measures. Land borders have been open since May.
The government has also announced some revisions to previously imposed internal restrictions:
Public transport can operate at 50-percent capacity.
The wearing of facemasks is mandatory in public.
Public gatherings must not exceed 25 participants.
Nightclubs, gyms, and cultural sites remain closed.
Inter-regional travel can continue with no restrictions.
All restrictions are subject to amendment, and relaxed measures could be reimposed at short notice.
Context
The measures taken by the government have been driven by the need to allow economic recovery in the wake 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
Reconfirm all transportation. Consider deferring nonessential travel to Guinea-Bissau for the duration of the restrictions. Follow all official directives. Abide by national health and safety measures. 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.
