Malawi: COVID-19 measures largely unchanged as of March 23 /update 12

Authorities in Malawi maintain COVID-19 measures as of March 23; 21:00-05:00 curfew remains in place.

Event

As of March 23, authorities in Malawi are maintaining restrictions due to COVID-19 activity. A nightly 2100-0500 curfew and several other restrictions are in place until further notice:

All land borders remain closed until further notice. Only Malawian nationals and essential service providers, such as freight trucks, are allowed to cross the border.
Authorities have also implemented mandatory quarantine for returning Malawian nationals who test positive at the nation's border crossings.
International commercial passenger flights are ongoing at Kamuzu International Airport (LLW) in Lilongwe. Travel to Malawi will require a negative COVID-19 test taken within 10 days before arrival in Malawi, followed by 14 days of self-monitoring for signs of infection. Travelers must also complete and submit a Travel Surveillance Form (TSF).
Travelers arriving in Malawi and showing signs of infection may be tested at the airport and will be quarantined until the test results return; travelers testing positive may be taken for treatment at a government facility. Travelers who fail to produce a negative COVID-19 test will be tested and quarantined for up to 48 hours until results have been provided. Travelers leaving Malawi must present proof of having tested negative for COVID-19 within 72 hours before departure.
A 21:00-05:00 curfew is in place and all bars and restaurants are required to close at 20:00.
All markets are required to close at 17:00.
All businesses and public service buildings must be sanitized at least once a week and fitted with handwashing facilities at entrances and exits.
The wearing of protective facemasks is compulsory in all public spaces.
All gatherings, including religious gatherings, must have no more than 50 people present at any given time.
Businesses are to reorganize their workforce to work in shifts to minimize the number of people on location at any given time.
All schools will remain closed until further notice.

All restrictions are subject to amendment at short notice in response to government reviews. Security forces have been deployed to ensure compliance. Authorities will issue fines to persons not complying with the COVID-19-related measures.

Advice

Reconfirm all planned travel arrangements. Plan accordingly for protracted commercial, transport, and logistics disruptions. Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Consider delaying travel 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.