Tunisia: Authorities suspend flights to and from Denmark beginning Dec. 24 until further notice due to newly discovered coronavirus disease strain /update 33

Event

In response to the discovery of a new strain of coronavirus disease (COVID-19), authorities in Tunisia have suspended all flights, including transit, between Tunisia and Denmark from Dec. 24. The travel ban will remain in effect until further notice. Authorities have stated that passengers from and travelers transiting through Denmark will be denied entry to the country. Authorities previously banned flights from the UK, South Africa, and Australia in response to the new COVID-19 variant, which was initially discovered in the southeast of England.

The Tunisian Ministry of Health has extended the existing nationwide nightly 2000-0500 curfew through Jan. 15 as part of ongoing efforts to stem the spread of COVID-19. Existing restrictions, including a ban on movement between governorates and a ban on large gatherings, remain in place during this period. All New Year's celebrations and events will also be canceled.

Authorities have eased several restrictions in the Greater Tunis region, including Tunis, Manouba, Ariana, and Ben Arous governorates. Weekly markets and mosques can reopen in these governorates; however, mosques cannot hold midday Friday prayers until further notice.

Other domestic restrictions that remain in force include the following:

• All travel between governorates has been banned, except for work purposes and medical emergencies. Tunis, Manouba, Ariana, and Ben Arous governorates are exempt from this measure.

• Restaurants and cafes may only operate at 30-percent capacity indoors and 50-percent capacity outdoors. They are allowed to remain open until 1900 daily throughout Tunisia.

• All gatherings of more than 30 people are banned.

• Protective face coverings or masks are mandatory in public areas.

• Public transportation continues to operate at 50-percent capacity to avoid overcrowding.

Land, sea, and air borders have reopened with certain restrictions and requirements for all persons entering the country. All travelers are required to provide a negative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test result taken 72 hours before traveling to Tunisia, regardless of their point of origin. Children under the age of 12 are exempt from this requirement. Arriving travelers are also required to self-isolate at a hotel or at home for 14 days. However, they may take a second PCR test seven days after entering the country; travelers whose second test result is negative may exit quarantine. Health officials also perform random COVID-19 testing at airports. In addition, authorities require that all travelers download the E7mi tracking application upon arrival in the country.

Travelers who do not produce a negative test result upon arrival in Tunisia are subject to a three-day mandatory quarantine and must get tested at their own expense. Individuals who plan on staying in the country for five days or less must provide a negative test result upon arrival and are exempt from the self-isolation requirement.

Authorities could reimpose, extend, further ease, or otherwise amend any restrictions with little-to-no notice depending on disease activity over the coming weeks.

Advice

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.

Resources

World Health Organization (WHO)
Tunisian COVID-19 Country Clarifications (Arabic)
Tunisian Ministry of Health (French)
E7mi Mobile Tracking Application (Arabic)