Mali: Officials tighten domestic COVID-19 restrictions as of Dec. 19 /update 6

Authorities in Mali tighten domestic COVID-19 measures as of Dec. 19; limited international travel ongoing.

Event

Health officials in Mali tightened several of the country’s restrictions and measures implemented to limit the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) as of Dec. 19. The following measures are in effect:

Most nonessential businesses, including bars, restaurants, nightclubs and other entertainment venues will remain closed through at least Jan. 4.
Festivals and cultural events are prohibited through Jan. 4
Public gatherings of more than 50 people are prohibited through at least Jan. 10.
All educational institutions must close through Jan. 10
A public state of health emergency will remain in place through June 18, 2021.
Markets will remain open.

Other measures previously impose remain in effect, including:

Wearing a protective facemask in public is mandatory.
Social distancing measures are also in place in businesses that remain open, and on public transport.

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.

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

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. 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.