04 Jan 2021 | 11:50 AM UTC
French Guiana: Authorities extend all existing COVID-19-related curfew measures as of Jan. 4 /update 17
Authorities in French Guiana extend regionally varied curfew measures and other COVID-19 restrictions from Jan. 4 until further notice.
Event
Authorities in French Guiana have extended all existing curfew measures and other restrictions that were due to expire Jan. 4, until further notice. The measures are part of the territory's ongoing coronavirus disease (COVID-19) response plan. Under the current orders, the curfew will be enforced nightly 2100-0500 in Cayenne, Kourou, Macouria, Matoury, and Remire-Montjoly, and 0001-0500 in Apatou, Camopi, Grand-Santi, Mana, Maripasoula, Saint-Georges de l'Oyapock, Saint-Laurent du Maroni, and Sinnamary. There will be no curfew measures in the rest of the territory.
In areas under the 2100-0500 curfew, restaurants are permitted to stay open during the curfew until 2230; however, all customers must return home by 2230 and they must present their receipts to authorities on request as proof that they were dining during the beginning of the curfew.
Other restrictions remain in effect across all areas, unless otherwise stated:
All individuals must wear protective face coverings whenever in public.
Gatherings of more than six people in indoor and outdoor public spaces are prohibited.
The sale of alcohol for takeaway is prohibited 1800-0800 in all areas except for Awala-Yalimapo, Iracoubo, Montsinery-Tonnegrande, Ouanary, Papaichton, Regina, Roura, Saint-Elie, and Saul, where there are no restrictions.
French Guiana's borders remain closed to most non-resident foreign nationals.
Despite the border closure, French citizens, diplomats, healthcare workers, airline crews, and non-resident foreign nationals who are in transit to their home country can enter French Guiana. However, all travelers entering the territory must present a negative result from a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) COVID-19 test taken no more than 72 hours before departure. There are no restrictions on cargo shipments and humanitarian travel. All measures are subject to amendment at short notice.
Authorities could reimpose, extend, further ease, or otherwise amend any restrictions with little-to-no notice, depending on local disease activity.
Advice
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.
