Sudan: Authorities amend COVID-19-related restrictions as of Jan. 15 /update 17

Sudan amends coronavirus disease-related restrictions as of Jan. 15. Quarantine required for international arrivals.

Event

Health officials in Sudan have amended restrictions for international travelers entering the country. Starting Jan. 15, authorities will require all incoming international passengers to possess a negative coronavirus disease (COVID-19) test result taken 72 hours prior to entering the country. Additionally, all travelers must self-isolate for 14 days after arrival. Persons six years of age and under are exempt from these requirements.

Nationwide, other measures that remain in effect include the following:

Khartoum International Airport (KRT) is partially open.
Passengers of Sudanese origin are subjected to testing for COVID-19 on arrival.
Persons seeking to depart Sudan require a negative PCR test obtained no less than 72 hours before departure.
Persons suspected of having COVID-19 may be taken to isolation centers. These are located at the Khartoum and Omdurman teaching hospitals, Jebra Trauma Center, and the Universal Hospital in Khartoum North.

As of Jan. 13, the travel bans imposed on all flights from the UK, Netherlands, and South Africa due to concerns regarding the spread of a newly discovered strain of COVID-19 has been lifted through mid-April; however, travelers will be required to quarantine for 14 days and obtain a negative COVID-19 test result. After arrival, passengers from these countries must also report any disease symptoms to health officials.

Domestic restrictions have been lifted. Public transportation is operating. COVID-19 restrictions on land borders have largely been lifted. Border crossings with Ethiopia may be disrupted due to the insecurity in northern Ethiopia. Authorities could reimpose, extend, further ease, or otherwise amend any restrictions with little-to-no notice depending on disease activity over the coming weeks.

Context

Sudan's travel restrictions and preventive measures are similar to actions other governments are taking globally in response to the spread of COVID-19. 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. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation.

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.