Benin: Authorities enact restrictive measures due to COVID-19 /update 1

Event

Authorities in Benin announced on Monday, March 23, that starting from Monday, March 30, quarantines will be put in place around most affected cities, including Cotonou, Abomey-Calavi, Allada, Ouidah, Sèmè-Podji, Porto-Novo, Akpro-Missérété, and Adjarra to limit the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19). People within these cities will only be allowed to move for essential reasons (health, food supply). As such, all public transportation will be suspended until further notice.

School holidays have been declared from March 30, until Monday, April 13. People are being advised to minimize their movements within the country and to avoid gatherings on public places (beaches, public squares). Land border crossings have also been limited; only necessary crossings agreed with neighbouring countries will be allowed. Strict control measures have been implemented at border checkpoints. Travelers entering Benin by air must undergo a 14-days quarantine.

As of Tuesday, March 24, there five cases of COVID-19 in the country. Further international spread of the virus is to be expected 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 March 11, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the global outbreak a pandemic.

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

Measures adopted by local authorities evolve quickly and are usually effective immediately. Depending on the evolution of the outbreak in other countries, authorities are likely to modify, at very short notice, the list of countries whose travelers are subject to border control measures or entry restrictions upon their arrival to the territory in question. It is advised to postpone nonessential travel due to the risk that travelers may be refused entry or be subject to quarantine upon their arrival or during their stay.

To reduce the risk of COVID-19 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.