Côte d’Ivoire: Quarantine measures in Abidjan lifted July 15 /update 14

Event

On Wednesday, July 15, authorities in Côte d'Ivoire lifted quarantine measures in the Greater Abidjan region, permitting movement between Abidjan and the rest of the country for the first time since March following a ban to limit the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

A state of emergency remains in place until at least July 30, although restrictions have been eased in recent weeks. Domestic commercial flights resumed on June 26, while limited international flights resumed on July 1. All passengers arriving into the country will be subject to health checks and systematic follow-ups during their stay. Restaurants and schools are open, although gatherings of more than 50 people are prohibited, and bars, nightclubs, cinemas, and theatres are to remain closed until the end of July. The wearing of face masks is mandatory nationwide, although this has reportedly been poorly enforced.

As of Thursday, July 16, health authorities have confirmed 13,403 COVID-19 cases and 87 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 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, 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.