Congo: Authorities extend COVID-19-related state of health emergency until Sept. 4 /update 29

Authorities in Republic of the Congo extend COVID-19-related state of health emergency until at least Sept. 4

Event

Authorities in the Republic of the Congo have announced an extension of the country's state of health emergency measures until at least Sept. 4 as part of efforts to curb the spread of COVID-19. The following measures already in place will be maintained during this period while additional measures have also been implemented.

International Travel

Land and river borders are closed. Air travel has resumed; however, the Ministry of Transport, Health, and Security have issued a joint communique Aug. 12, banning all incoming and departing flights from/to a country with a high circulation of COVID-19. The list of affected countries has yet to be released.
International travelers must present a negative COVID-19 test taken no more than 72 hours prior to travel. Persons arriving with a negative test will still be subject to a 14-day self-isolation period at their residence or hotel. Self-isolation is also required for travelers in transit.
Persons arriving with a test result older than 72 hours or without a test certificate will be subject to a test upon arrival at their own expense, followed by a 14-day self-isolation period at their residence or hotel.
Only travelers over the age of 10 are subject to tests.

Domestic Restrictions:

Gatherings of more than three people in public and private spaces are prohibited during the state of health emergency.
Marketplaces may open five days per week in Brazzaville and Pointe-Noire.
In Brazzaville and Pointe-Noire, a curfew is in effect 23:00-05:00 Monday to Friday and 20:00-05:00 on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays. There is no curfew in the rest of the country.
Restaurants and bars have reopened, but measures must be taken to accommodate customers in outside areas if possible. Nightclubs remain closed until further notice.
The wearing of facemasks is mandatory in public spaces.
Sport events have been allowed to resumed, with a limit capacity of 50 attendees.
Security personnel have increased screening measures, which will be conducted throughout the country's entry and exit points.

Additional amendments to restrictions to prevent the spread of COVID-19 are possible in the coming weeks.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. 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. Reconfirm all travel arrangements and ensure that all pre-arrival tests are conducted.