Sudan: Authorities extend curfew in Khartoum state July 8 /update 15

Event

The Sudanese government announced on Wednesday, July 8, that the curfew in Khartoum state will be extended until further notice due to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. The curfew will now be in place from 18:00 - 06:00 (local time). Between the hours of 06:00 - 18:00 individuals will be permitted to move freely, additionally, public transportation will begin operating from July 8, amid the easing of COVID-19 restrictions.

Sudan Civil Aviation Authority has further extended the closure of Khartoum's International Airport (KRT) until at least 02:00 (local time) on July 12. Flights carrying cargo, humanitarian aid, oil workers, or repatriating foreign nationals continue to be exempt from this measure.

As of July 8, health authorities have confirmed 9997 COVID-19 cases with 622 associated deaths in the country. Further spread of the virus is expected in 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 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, difficulty breathing, or any other symptoms suggestive of respiratory illness, including pneumonia, call emergency services before going to the doctor or hospital to prevent the potential spread of the disease.