Chad: Authorities extend existing curfew until October 26 /update 18

Event

Chadian authorities have extended an existing nightly curfew in effect for the capital and other regions through at least October 26 to curb the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). The curfew runs between 23:00 and 05:00 in the  N'Djamena, Logone Occidental, Logone Oriental, Mayo-Kebbi Ouest, Guera, Kanem, and Mayo-Kebbi Est regions; the Mandelia and Lougoun sub-prefectures in the Chari Baguirmi region; and the N'Djamena Fara sub-prefecture in the Hadjer-Lamis region. Individuals are only permitted to leave their homes for essential services during curfew hours. Those found outside their homes during these hours may be subject to arrest or questioning by police or security personnel.

A state of health emergency remains in place throughout the country, as do restrictions on movement and public gatherings. Entry and exit into N'Djamena and provincial capitals remain prohibited amid ongoing quarantine measures. Cargo and freight services are exempt, though services are limited. Land borders remain closed to passenger traffic. However, commercial flights resumed in Chad on August 1. Travelers arriving in Chad will be required to present a negative COVID-19 test certificate dated no more than 72 hours prior to arrival. Individuals must also surrender their passport and quarantine for seven days. On the seventh day they are required to take a COVID-19 test; upon presentation of the test receipt, their passport will be returned.

Face masks remain mandatory for all individuals in public spaces; those who do not adhere to the instruction may be fined or imprisoned.

As of Monday, October 12, there have been 1304 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Chad and 92 associated fatalities. Further international 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). 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 COVID-19 transmission, travelers are advised to abide by the following measures:

• Frequently clean hands by using alcohol-based hand rub or 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.