French Guiana: Authorities extend COVID-19 curfews in certain townships effective Jan. 9 due to increased disease activity /update 18

Event

Authorities in French Guiana have issued orders to extend the length of curfews in a number of townships across the territory in response to an increase in coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases. Effective Jan. 9, the nightly curfew in Cayenne, Kourou, Macouria, Matoury, and Remire-Montjoly, will run between the hours of 1900-0500 rather than the previous 2100-0500 time frame; in Apatou, Camopi, Grand-Santi, Mana, Maripasoula, Saint-Georges de l'Oyapock, Saint-Laurent du Maroni, and Sinnamary, the new curfew hours will run 2200-0500, instead of 0001-0500 as had earlier been the case. In all areas under curfew, authorities allow a 1.5-hour grace period for the sole purpose of allowing restaurants to close their establishments and diners to make their way home. There are no curfews elsewhere in French Guiana.

Other restrictions remain in effect territory-wide. 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 carryout is prohibited 1800-0600 in all areas except for Awala-Yalimapo, Iracoubo, Montsinery-Tonnegrande, Ouanary, Papaichton, Regina, Roura, Saint-Elie, and Saul, where there are no restrictions.

With regard to international travel, French Guiana's borders remain closed to most non-resident foreign nationals. All travelers entering the territory are required to present a negative result from a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) COVID-19 test taken no more than seven days before departure and will be re-tested upon arrival. Travelers who provide a negative test result within 72 hours of their flight departure can avoid additional testing upon arrival. Travelers must also complete and submit a Passenger Locator Form to enable contact tracing.

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. 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.

Resources

World Health Organization (WHO)
Government of French Guiana
Passenger Locator Form