eSwatini (Swaziland): Authorities to tighten COVID-19 restrictions from Jan. 8. /update 8

Authorities in eSwatini (Swaziland) to tighten COVID-19 restrictions from Jan. 8.

Event

Authorities in eSwatini (Swaziland) will tighten restrictions from 0001 Jan. 8 for a period of at least two weeks amid an ongoing nationwide lockdown to curb a surge in coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases. The increased restrictions are as follows:

Domestic Measures

Public gatherings will be heavily restricted. According to authorities, all gatherings of all sizes are prohibited, except for funerals, which are limited to two hours with a maximum attendance of 50 people.
Businesses are to close by 1800.
Restrictions are placed on the sale and consumption of alcohol.
Public transport systems are required to limit their carrying capacity to 80 percent and overall availability at 50 percent.
Individuals from different households are required to observe social distancing of at least 1 meter (3 feet).
Facemasks are mandatory on public transport and many additional public spaces. Authorities continue to advise working from home where possible.
A nightly 2300-0400 curfew remains in effect.

International travel

Travel abroad will be prohibited except for essential purposes, including for medical, schooling, work, and business purposes. The measure is likely to impact locals only.
Cross-border freight transport will not be permitted during the nightly 2300-0400 curfew period, except for industries involved in essential medical services.
The government reopened King Mswati III International Airport (SHO) and Matsapa Airport (MTS) in October, allowing international commercial passenger travel to resume.
Travelers entering eSwatini will be required to provide a negative COVID-19 test taken no longer than 72 hours before arrival in the country. All travelers will be screened upon arrival. Those arriving without a negative COVID-19 test or showing symptoms of COVID-19 will be required to take a test at their own cost. Travelers may be subject to mandatory quarantine for up to 14 days; this is likely if a traveler tests positive. Several land border crossings are open, including Ngwenya, Mahamba, Lavumisa, Mananga, and Matsamo.

Authorities will review the measures by Jan. 22 and could reintroduce, ease, or otherwise amend restrictions at any time based upon disease activity.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Reconfirm quarantine requirements before travel. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm business appointments, deliveries, and travel arrangements. 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.

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.