Sudan: Authorities ban entry for two weeks for travelers from the UK, Netherlands, and South Africa effective Dec. 23 due to new COVID-19 strain /update 15

Sudan suspends all flights from UK, Netherlands, and South Africa effective Dec. 23 for two weeks over new strain of coronavirus disease.

Event

Sudanese authorities have announced that the country will suspend all flights from the UK, Netherlands, and South Africa beginning 0100 Dec. 23 due to concerns regarding the spread of a newly discovered strain of coronavirus disease (COVID-19). The measures will remain in effect for at least two weeks, Jan. 5. It remains unclear whether the closure or travel ban applies to cargo or frieght operations.

Nationwide, other measures that remain in effect include;

Khartoum International Airport (KRT) is partially open.
Passengers of Sudanese origin are subjected to testing for covid-19 on arrival. All other passengers must possess a certificate confirming a negative result for a test taken less than 96 hours before arrival. Persons six years of age and under are exempt from this requirement.
Persons seeking to depart Sudan require a negative PCR test obtained no less than 72 hours before departure.
Persons suspected of having COVID-19 may be taken to isolation centers. These are located at the Khartoum and Omdurman teaching hospitals, Jebra Trauma Center, and the Universal Hospital in Khartoum North.

Domestic restrictions have been lifted. Public transportation is operating. COVID-19 restrictions on land borders have largely been lifted. Border crossings with Ethiopia may be disrupted due to ongoing insecurity in northern Ethiopia. Authorities could reimpose, extend, further ease, or otherwise amend any restrictions with little-to-no notice depending on disease activity over the coming weeks.

Context

Sudan's travel restrictions and preventive measures are similar to actions other governments are taking globally in response to the spread of COVID-19. 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. Reconfirm all travel arrangements. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation.

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.