Niger: Niger extends COVID-19-related state of health emergency for three months through early April /update 12

Authorities in Niger extend COVID-19 state of health emergency for three months from Jan. 8.

Event

Authorities in Niger have extended the country's state of health emergency for three months from Jan. 8. As part of the state of health emergency, travel and domestic measures put in place to stem the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) will remain.

International Travel
International air travel is ongoing. Diori Hamani International Airport (NIM) in Niamey and other airports in the country are open. Persons eligible for entry to the country will be required to present a negative COVID-19 test to authorities upon arrival. The test should be no more than 72 hours old. Screening on arrival is also conducted. Travelers arriving in Niger will be subject to self-isolation for at least seven days. The traveler's passport will be held by authorities, and passengers must take a second test on the seventh day after arrival. Travelers who test negative will have their passports returned and exit isolation. Travelers who test positive will be quarantined for 14 days, with a second test administered on the 13th day.

Persons leaving the country must produce a negative COVID-19 test no more than 72 hours old. The tests are conducted by Centre de Recherche Medicale et Sanitaire Niger; all travelers are required to pay for the tests. Land borders will remain closed until further notice. Cargo and freight travel may continue with heightened screening measures in place.

Domestic Restrictions
Domestic travel restrictions have largely been relaxed. Facemasks are mandatory in public and social distancing of at least 1 meter (3 feet) is required in public. Large gatherings remain banned, and night clubs, bars, and other entertainment venues are closed until further notice. All measures are subject to change at short notice.

Context

COVID-19 is a viral respiratory disease caused by infection with the SARS-CoV-2 virus (previously known as 2019-nCoV). Symptoms occur 1-14 days following exposure (average of 3-7 days). These symptoms include fever, fatigue, cough, difficulty breathing, sometimes worsening to pneumonia and kidney failure - especially in those with underlying medical conditions. On March 11, the WHO declared the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak a pandemic.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Reconfirm all travel arrangements and requirements. 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.