Gabon: Several COVID-19 restrictions maintained nationwide as of Jan. 19 /update 12

Authorities in Gabon maintain several COVID-19 restrictions as of Jan. 19 to curb the spread of the disease. Limited air travel permitted.

Event

Authorities in Gabon maintain several restrictions in continued efforts to curb the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19). International flights are ongoing but are limited. Restrictions and measures which remain in place include the following:

International Travel

International flights are limited to three flights per airline a week.
Tourists are not permitted to arrive by land or sea until further notice. Cargo transportation and essential services are permitted entry with prior authorization.
All passengers must provide a negative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) taken no longer than five days before arrival.
All passengers must take a compulsory COVID-19 test upon arrival at Libreville International Airport (LBV). Passengers must then quarantine for 48 hours while awaiting test results.
If the test is negative, travelers will be issued a certificate for 14 days, which can be renewed after another COVID-19 test is taken. If COVID-19 results are positive, travelers must self-isolate until further instructions from the Gabonese health authorities are given.
Passengers traveling from the UK must gain authorization from the Gabonese Ministry of Foreign Affairs before traveling to Gabon before entry. Travelers can do this via email.
A negative COVID-19 test is requested prior to departure from the country; however, the time frame of this will be decided by the destination country.

Domestic Measures

Domestic flight restrictions have eased to allow four flights per airline per week.
Travel in and out of Libreville is permitted so long as a negative COVID-19 test was taken no longer than 14 days before entry or departure is provided.
A nightly 2200-0500 curfew remains in effect.
Residents must wear facemasks and adhere to other hygiene protocols.
Restaurants with outdoor terraces have reopened. All patrons are to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test.
Gatherings of more than 30 people are banned; however, parliament and educational institutions are exempt from this order.
All places of worship are permitted to open one day per week, with a limit of 30 participants at any given event.
All bars and beaches remain closed until further notice.
Public transportation has resumed nationwide, though some limits on passenger numbers remain in place. Hotels have also been allowed to reopen.

Additional restrictions are possible in the coming weeks, particularly if cases of COVID-19 rise.

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.