Malawi: Authorities close land borders until Jan. 6, 2021 due to COVID-19 activity. /update 7

Event

Authorities in Malawi have announced the closure of the country's land borders until at least Jan. 6, 2021 amid an increase of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) transmission. According to Information Minister Gospel Kazako, only Malawian nationals and essential service providers, such as freight trucks, will be allowed to cross the border. Domestic restrictions to contain the spread of the disease remain in place as of Dec. 23.

International commercial passenger flights are ongoing at Kamuzu International Airport (LLW) in Lilongwe. However, travel to Malawi will require a negative COVID-19 test taken within 10 days prior to arrival in Malawi, followed by 14-days of self-monitoring for signs of infection. Travelers who fail to produce a negative COVID-19 test will be denied entry into the country. Travelers arriving in Malawi and showing signs of infection may be tested at the airport and will need to remain at the airport until the test results return; travelers testing positive may be taken for treatment at a government facility. Travelers leaving Malawi are required to present proof of having tested negative for COVID-19 within the previous 10 days. Additional freight delays at crossings are likely due to enhanced screening measures.

Minimal domestic restrictions remain in place following the easing of measures in September; the use of protective facemasks is compulsory in all public spaces and public transportation, although this measure is not strictly enforced. Public gatherings may not exceed 100 people.

All restrictions are subject to amendment at short notice in response to government reviews. Security forces have been deployed to ensure compliance. Fines will be issued to persons not complying with the COVID-19-related measures.

Context

COVID-19 is a viral respiratory disease caused by infection with the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Human-to-human transmission does occur, primarily through respiratory droplets from infected individuals or contact with contaminated surfaces or objects. Symptoms occur 1-14 days following exposure (average of 3-7 days). These symptoms typically include fever, fatigue, and dry cough; less common symptoms include headache, diarrhea, loss of taste or smell, reddening of the eyes, skin rash, or discoloration of the fingers or toes. Symptoms may worsen to difficulty breathing, pneumonia, and organ failure - especially in those with underlying, chronic medical conditions. Some infected individuals display no symptoms.

Older individuals and people of any age with chronic medical conditions or compromised immunity should consider postponing nonessential travel, including domestic travel, and take special precautions to avoid becoming ill, especially where sustained community transmission of COVID-19 is ongoing. All individuals should monitor their health and limit interactions with others for 14 days after returning from travel.

Advice

Reconfirm all planned travel arrangements. Plan accordingly for protracted commercial, transport, and logistics disruptions. Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Consider delaying travel if experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19, as they may prompt increased scrutiny and delays. 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.

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.