01 Mar 2020 | 09:06 PM UTC
Angola: Entry restrictions implemented amid COVID-19 outbreak March 1 /update 1
Government to temporarily ban citizens from COVID-19-affected countries March 1; follow government directives
Event
Authorities announced a measure on Sunday, March 1, temporarily banning citizens of China, South Korea, Italy, Iran, Nigeria, Egypt, and Algeria from entering Angola due to the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. The measure only applies to citizens traveling to Angola directly from the aforementioned countries; the restriction does not apply to those traveling via a third country.
To date, there have been no confirmed cases of the virus in Angola.
Further international spread of the virus is anticipated over the near term.
Context
The first case of COVID-19 was reported on December 31 and the source of the outbreak has been linked to a wet market in Wuhan (Hubei province, China). Human-to-human and patient-to-medical staff transmission of the virus have been confirmed. Many of the associated fatalities have been due to pneumonia caused by the virus.
Cases of the virus have been confirmed in numerous countries and territories worldwide. Virus-screening and quarantining measures are being implemented at airports worldwide, as well as extensive travel restrictions. On February 28, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared that the risk of spread and the risk of impact of the virus is "very high" at the global level.
Pneumonia symptoms include dry cough, chest pain, fever, and labored breathing. Pneumonia can be contagious and can be transmitted from human to human. The influenza virus, or the flu, is a common cause of viral pneumonia.
Advice
Potentially affected travelers are advised to monitor the situation, confirm travel itineraries, and adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities.
To reduce the risk of transmission, travelers are advised to abide by the following measures:
- Frequently clean hands by applying an alcohol-based hand rub or washing with soap and water.
- When coughing and sneezing, cover mouth and nose with a flexed elbow or tissue; if used, throw the tissue away immediately and wash hands.
- If experiencing a fever, cough, and difficulty breathing, seek medical care urgently and share your previous travel history with your health care provider.