Madagascar: Several COVID-19 restrictions remain in place as of Dec. 11 /update 18

Authorities in Madagascar maintain COVID-19 restrictions as of Dec. 11. International borders are closed. Several restrictions in place.

Event

Authorities in Madagascar maintain several restrictions as of Dec. 11 to curb the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

International Travel:

Most routine international flights in and out of Madagascar have been suspended until further notice; however, a limited flight schedule remains in place.
Cruise ships remain prohibited from stopping over at ports.
Those who enter the country will need to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken no more than 72 hours prior to arrival.
Those traveling to Ivato International Airport (TNR) will be required to undergo a COVID-19 test upon arrival. Travelers will need to quarantine for four to five days at their own costs. If the test is positive, persons will be required to go to a state-mandated facility for treatment.

Domestic Restrictions:

All shops, restaurants, places of worship, and recreational centers are permitted to operate without significant restrictions, as long as social distancing and sanitization methods are followed.
Schools and universities remain closed until further notice.
Gatherings are permitted with no more than 200 participants.
The wearing of a protective facemask remains mandatory in public spaces.
All domestic air travelers will be subject to a Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test taken no less than 48 hours before departure. Only those with a negative test result will be permitted to board flights.
Polyclinique Ilafy and Hospital Manarapenitra Andenatepenaka in Antananarivo offer PCR tests for COVID-19. Institut Pasteur, also in Antananarivo, offers serological tests for COVID-19.

All sea borders remain suspended until further notice; however, cargo and humanitarian flights are operational. Authorities could change COVID-19 restrictions with little-to-no warning.

Context

Madagascar has enforced and relaxed several measures in recent months to contain the spread of COVID-19. Authorities are likely to continue to reintroduce sporadic, highly targeted measures in response to local COVID-19 outbreaks. Such measures could apply to regions, cities, neighborhoods, or specific facilities.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all travel arrangements. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions.

Emphasize basic health precautions, especially frequent handwashing with soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are unavailable. Practice good coughing/sneezing etiquette (i.e., covering coughs and sneezes with a disposable tissue, maintaining distance from others, and washing hands). There is no evidence that the influenza vaccine, antibiotics, or antiviral medications will prevent this disease, highlighting the importance of diligent basic health precautions.