10 Dec 2020 | 03:43 PM UTC
Mauritania: Authorities amend COVID-19 domestic restrictions as of Dec. 10 /update 11
Authorities amend COVID-19-related restrictions across Mauritania as of Dec. 10. International air travel ongoing.
Event
As of Dec. 10, authorities in Mauritania have amended restrictions following the continued spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in the country. Schools and universities have been closed following a reported spike in the number of cases. Authorities have also reduced the number of civil service staff at government facilities. Hygiene and social-distancing measures are mandatory at local markets. The wearing of face mask in public is also compulsory and a ban on large gatherings is in place. A civil defense group has been created to enforce related restrictions.
Nouakchott International Airport - Oumtounsy (NKC) is open for international commercial passenger travel; domestic flights have resumed. Land borders with Senegal and Mali are reportedly open; however, non-commercial overland travel with Morocco remains banned. Freight travel remains permitted at several border crossings but is subject to enhanced inspections. Travelers to Mauritania must present evidence of a negative COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test, dated up to 72 hours before arrival. Travelers arriving also face screening measures and possible quarantine at a state health facility if displaying symptoms of the disease. However, these measures are reportedly not widely adhered to.
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. 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.
