Chad: Airports reopen, commercial air travel resumes Jan. 14 following coronavirus disease-related suspensions /update 28

Event

Authorities in Chad have reopened the nation's airports and ordered the resumption of international and domestic commercial air travel effective Jan. 14, following previous closures and suspensions due to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. Travel will, however, be subject to a number of restrictions and conditions. International travelers arriving in Chad must produce proof of having tested negative for COVID-19 using at polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test taken no more than 72 hours prior to entering the country. Travelers must also surrender their passports and remain in self-isolation for seven days. A test will be conducted on the seventh day in isolation. Travelers in Chad for less than seven days do not need to quarantine. Some international travelers, including those from the UK, may face bans due to variants of the disease existing in the country of departure. Cargo and emergency flights remain unaffected. International land borders are closed to passenger traffic.

With regard to domestic measures, the lockdown that has been in place in N'Djamena and surrounding areas will remain in force until at least Jan. 28. Travel to and from the capital is restricted. Areas outside the city that are affected by the same directive extend as far east as N'Djamena-Koura, west to Mara, south to Koundoul, and north to Djermaya. A nightly 2000-0500 curfew is in effect, and public gatherings are limited to 50 people. Facemasks are mandatory. Residents are advised to only leave their homes for work, school, and essential shopping.

Within the lockdown zone, most nonessential businesses and facilities, including places of worship, remain closed. Social and religious gatherings such as weddings and funeral processions are prohibited. Nevertheless, effective Jan. 14, authorities have relaxed some measures as exemptions, such as resuming classes at public and private schools and universities; permitting religious gatherings on Fridays and Sundays; allowing markets and retail stores, fuel stations, and other essential public and private services to reopen. Restaurants and bars may also open for carryout service. All facilities and establishments that reopen must comply with strict sanitization and social distancing directives.

Elsewhere in Chad, a number of restrictions remain in place. The existing 2000-0500 nightly curfew that is in effect in Guera, Kanem, Logone Occidental, Logone Oriental, Mayo Kebbi Ouest, Mayo Kebbi Est, Moyen Chari, Batha, N'Djamena provinces, as well as the cities of Mandelia, Logone Gana, and the N'Djamena Farah subprefecture, has been extended until at least Jan. 28. During curfew hours, anyone found outside their homes may be questioned or arrested by police or military personnel. Only those participating in the provision of critical services may leave their homes during curfew hours.

Other COVID-related measures remain in force nationwide, including restrictions on travel into and from regional capitals. Freight and cargo transport serving these cities is limited. Most businesses are operating, although establishments must adhere to social distancing and enhanced sanitation guidelines. Public transport services are operating, albeit with limits on the number of passengers allowed in vehicles.

Failure to comply with directives will result in disciplinary action, including fines and possible incarceration. Authorities could impose additional restrictions based on disease activity in the coming days and weeks.

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. Plan for possible ground shipping and travel delays; seek alternative routes and shipping methods for time-sensitive cargo.

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.