Tanzania: Authorities announce restrictions for all travelers entering the country August 1 /update 7

Event

On August 1, authorities announced requirements for all travelers entering Tanzania amid the ongoing coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak. Commercial flights are operating to and from Tanzania and individuals are no longer required to quarantine for 14-days on arrival. All travelers entering the country are required to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test which has been performed up to 72 hours prior to boarding. All international passengers will also be subject to temperature screening on arrival, and if passengers show symptoms of COVID-19 they will be subject to further testing and may be required to quarantine at a government-designated facility at their own costs. International travelers will also be required to complete a health form on arrival. Face masks, social distancing measures, and hygiene protocols should continue to be observed by all travelers.

According to media sources, flights between Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) in Nairobi (Kenya) and Dar es Saleem's Julius Nyeree International Airport (DAR), Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), and Zanzibar Airport (ZNZ) in Tanzania via Kenya Airways have been suspended since August 1 until further notice. Kenya Airways flights have been banned until the Kenyan government adds Tanzania to its list of approved destinations under the easing of COVID-19 restrictions. Land borders between Kenya and Tanzania remain closed.

The government of Tanzania has reportedly begun relaxing the ban on public gatherings, university and school openings, and sporting competitions. The majority of bars, restaurants, and hotels closed voluntarily and remain closed, although many restaurants are offering takeaway services. Social distancing measures and hygiene protocols should be observed.

Authorities in Tanzania have reportedly not released additional virus numbers since April 29. As of Wednesday, August 5, there have been 509 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Tanzania with 21 associated fatalities. Further international spread of the virus is to be 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). Since then, human-to-human transmission of the virus has been confirmed.

Cases of the virus have been confirmed in numerous countries and territories worldwide. On March 11, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the global outbreak a pandemic. Virus-screening and quarantining measures are being implemented at airports worldwide, as well as extensive travel restrictions.

The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, dry cough, and tiredness. Some patients may experience other symptoms such as body pains, nasal congestion, headache, conjunctivitis, sore throat, diarrhea, loss of taste or smell or a rash on skin or discoloration of fingers or toes. These symptoms (in most cases mild) appear gradually. Generally, most patients (around 80 percent) recover from the disease without being hospitalized.

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 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.