Chad: Authorities tighten COVID-19-related restrictions nationwide as of Jan. 8; international and domestic passenger air travel suspended /update 26

Authorities tighten restrictions in Chad as of Jan. 8; international and domestic flights suspended. Travel to and from N'Djamena suspended.

Event

Authorities in Chad have tightened restrictions as of Jan. 8, amid an ongoing nationwide lockdown to curb a surge in coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases.

International Travel
As of Jan. 8, international commercial passenger travel to and from Chad has been suspended, as have domestic flights. Cargo and emergency flights are unaffected. International land borders are closed to passenger traffic.

Domestic Measures in N'Djamena
Authorities have imposed containment measures on N'Djamena and surrounding areas, restricting travel to and from the capital until further notice. Surrounding areas include the east as far as N'Djamena-Koura, west to Mara, in the south to Koundoul, and in the North to Djermaya. A nightly 1900-0500 curfew is in effect. All nonessential businesses must close, as must public and private schools and universities, places of worship. Public gatherings will be limited to 50 people. Facemasks are mandatory. Residents are advised to only leave their homes for work, school, and essential shopping.

Domestic Measures Elsewhere
A nationwide nightly curfew is in effect from 2000-0500 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.

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 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.