Madagascar: COVID-19 restrictions remain in place nationwide as of Jan. 11 /update 19

Authorities in Madagascar maintaining COVID-19 restrictions as of Jan. 11. Limited international travel is permitted.

Event

Authorities in Madagascar are maintaining several restrictions as of Jan. 11 to curb the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

International Travel:

International travel to Nosy Be International Airport (NOS) is permitted; however, international travel to other airports remains prohibited.
Testing is required upon entry to Nosy Be International airport. Travelers are requested to quarantine until test results are known. If the test is positive, travelers are required to visit a state-mandate for treatment.
Those who enter the country will need to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken no more than 72 hours prior to arrival.
Travel from countries experiencing an elevated number of COVID-19 infections, such as the US, remains suspended until further notice.

Domestic Restrictions:

All shops, restaurants, places of worship, and recreational centers are permitted to operate without significant restrictions, as long as social distancing and sanitization methods are followed.
Domestic flights are permitted.
Inter-city and inter-state travel is permitted.
All public transport is permitted.
Gatherings are permitted with no more than 200 participants.
The wearing of a protective facemask remains mandatory in public spaces.
All domestic air travelers will be subject to a Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test taken no less than 48 hours before departure. Only those with a negative test result will be permitted to board flights.

All sea borders remain suspended until further notice. Authorities could change COVID-19 restrictions with little-to-no warning.

Context

Madagascar has enforced and relaxed several measures in recent months to contain the spread of COVID-19. Authorities are likely to continue to reintroduce sporadic, highly targeted measures in response to local COVID-19 outbreaks. Such measures could apply to regions, cities, neighborhoods, or specific facilities.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all 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.