Djibouti: Authorities postpone easing of COVID-19 restrictions until May 17 /update 3

Event

The government of Dijbouti reversed a decision to incrementally ease restrictions put in place to reduce the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) which was earlier announced on Sunday, May 10. According to authorities, the restrictions will be extended for at least another week through Sunday, May 17. Prime Minister Abdoulkader Kamil Mohamed stated that conditions had not yet been met to relax existing measures, despite a few hours earlier announcing that from Monday, May 11, public transport will resume and places of worship may reopen amongst other relaxations of restrictions.

Lockdown measures have been in place since Monday, March 23. Under these measures, only those working in essential industries are permitted to leave their homes. Schools and shops not providing essential services have been closed. Commercial flights to and from Djibouti were suspended on Wednesday, March 18, and all borders were closed on March 23. These measures are due to remain in place even after other restrictions begin to be relaxed.

As of May 10, health authorities have recorded 1189 confirmed cases of COVID-19, with three associated deaths. Further international spread of the virus is expected over the coming days and weeks.

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 trouble 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.