15 Dec 2020 | 12:23 PM UTC
Mauritania: Authorities amend COVID-19 domestic restrictions from Dec. 13 /update 12
Authorities amend COVID-19-related domestic restrictions across Mauritania from Dec. 13. International air travel ongoing.
Event
Authorities in Mauritania have amended restrictions following the continued spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in the country, Dec. 13. A 1800-0600 curfew has been reintroduced, with schools and universities closed following a reported spike in the number of cases. Authorities have also reduced the number of civil service staff at government facilities. Hygiene and social-distancing measures are mandatory at local markets. The wearing of a facemask in public is also compulsory, and a ban on large gatherings, including religious events, is in place. A civil defense group has been created to enforce related restrictions.
Nouakchott International Airport - Oumtounsy (NKC) is open for international commercial passenger travel; domestic flights have resumed. Land borders with Senegal and Mali are reportedly open; however, non-commercial overland travel with Morocco remains banned. Freight travel remains permitted at several border crossings but is subject to enhanced inspections. Travelers to Mauritania must present evidence of a negative COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test, dated up to five days before arrival. Travelers arriving also face screening measures and 10 days of quarantine; travelers who test positive or display symptoms of the disease will be quarantined at a state health facility.
Context
COVID-19 is a viral respiratory disease caused by infection with the SARS-CoV-2 virus (previously known as 2019-nCoV). Symptoms occur 1-14 days following exposure (average of 3-7 days). These symptoms include fever, fatigue, cough, difficulty breathing, sometimes worsening to pneumonia and kidney failure - especially in those with underlying medical conditions. On March 11, the WHO declared the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak a pandemic.
Advice
Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all travel arrangements. Consider delaying traveling if experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19, as they may prompt increased scrutiny and delays. 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. Reconsider and reconfirm nonemergency health appointments. Plan for queues and delays at available shopping centers.
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.
