Mali: Health officials maintain coronavirus disease-related restrictions as of Dec. 8 /update 5

Authorities in Mali maintain coronavirus disease-related measures and restrictions as of Dec. 8; limited international travel ongoing.

Event

As of Dec. 8, health officials in Mali are maintaining several of the country’s restrictions and measures implemented to limit the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

International Travel
Air and Land borders remain open. Enhanced screening and quarantine measures are in place to support the resumption of international travel. Incoming travelers must present a negative COVID-19 test taken up to 72 hours before travel. Individuals displaying symptoms of the disease will be isolated at the port of entry while a test is conducted. Travelers who test positive will be quarantined at a government facility.

Domestic Measures
Several domestic restrictions remain in place, including:

Wearing a protective face covering in public is mandatory.
Public gatherings of more than 50 people are prohibited.
Social distancing measures are also in place, including the closures of restaurants and entertainment venues.
Social-distancing measures are in place on public transportation vehicles.
Bars and nightclubs remain closed.

Authorities could introduce further preventive measures or ease additional restrictions in the coming days and weeks, depending on the disease activity.

Context

Mali's preventative restrictions correspond with similar actions other governments are taking globally in response to the coronavirus pandemic. 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. Consider delaying traveling 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.