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19 Aug 2021 | 01:49 PM UTC

Malawi: Officials maintaining COVID-19 measures as of Aug. 19 /update 17

Authorities in Malawi maintaining COVID-19 measures as of Aug. 19. Domestic restrictions in place. Limited international travel continue.

Critical

Event

As of Aug. 19, authorities are maintaining several COVID-19 restrictions.

International Restrictions

  • All land borders remain closed until further notice. Only Malawian nationals and essential service providers, such as freight trucks, can cross the border.

  • Authorities have implemented mandatory quarantine for returning Malawian nationals who test positive at the nation's border crossings.

  • Essential permitted traveler classes from Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, and Brazil will be required to quarantine for 14 days at a designated location at their own expense.

  • Those permitted entry into Malawi will require a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours before arrival.

  • Travelers showing symptoms of COVID-19 upon arrival may be taken for treatment at a government facility. All other travelers arriving will be required to self-monitor symptoms for 14 days after arrival.

  • Travelers leaving Malawi must present proof of having tested negative for COVID-19 within 72 hours before departure.

Domestic Restrictions

  • All gatherings, including religious gatherings, are permitted to have no more than 100 people at indoor venues and 250 people at outdoor venues.

  • All bars, restaurants, and supermarkets are allowed to open during their licensed operating hours; however, they may not be open past midnight.

  • 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 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.

Resources

World Health Organization (WHO)