Cote d'Ivoire: Authorities maintain nationwide COVID-19-related restrictions as of Jan. 6 /update 18

Travel restrictions and health measures remain across Cote d'Ivoire as of Jan. 6 due to COVID-19 activity.

Event

As of Jan. 6, authorities in Cote d'Ivoire have maintained restrictive measures across the country as part of the nation's efforts to slow the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

International Travel
Domestic and international flights have resumed; however, the status of commercial travel via land and sea borders is currently unclear. Travelers arriving in Cote d'Ivoire will need to present negative COVID-19 test results taken up to seven days before arrival. Individuals without this document may not be allowed to travel. Travelers will also have to declare their trip on the official travel reporting portal and pay XOF 2,000 (USD 3.57). Travelers must present the declaration form at the port of entry. Arriving travelers will be screened, and travelers with a temperature above 38 degrees will be tested at personal expense. Travelers who meet all requirements will be allowed to enter the country and are encouraged to self-isolate for two weeks and monitor symptoms. Travelers who test positive may be quarantined at a government facility.

Travelers leaving Cote d'Ivoire also require a negative COVID-19 test and a declaration form. The test must be taken no more than seven days before departure. Cargo and freight transport will likely continue through land and sea borders, with increased screening in place.

Domestic Measures
Authorities have stated that bars, nightclubs, cinemas, and other places of entertainment can reopen with adequate hygiene and social distancing measures in place. Social distancing and other hygiene measures remain in place at other public forums. Large gatherings have resumed with the approval of local authorities. Protective facemasks are mandatory in public places, particularly in the greater Abidjan area.

Authorities could reimpose, extend, further ease, or otherwise amend any restrictions with little-to-no notice depending on disease activity over the coming weeks.

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.