08 Jan 2021 | 12:23 PM UTC
Guinea: UK-specific testing measures in place on arrival as of Jan. 8 /update 13
Authorities in Guinea enact testing measures for UK travelers as of Jan. 8. State of health emergency remains through at least mid-January.
Event
As of Jan. 8, authorities in Guinea have enacted new testing measures for travelers arriving from the UK as part of plans to curb the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19). All passengers arriving in Guinea must present a negative COVID-19 certificate for a test taken within five days of arrival and within three days of departure. However, all travelers arriving from the UK must undergo an additional test on arrival. Travelers will be quarantined for up to 72 hours at a government-approved hotel until a result has been received. Travelers with a negative test will be allowed to exit quarantine; positive travelers will be taken to a government treatment facility. Similar mandates are possible for travelers from other countries as the COVID-19 virus continues to evolve.
Facemasks are mandatory for all travelers, and they must pack at least three spares for the duration of the journey. Travelers who arrive without the relevant documentation, show symptoms of the disease, or test positive for COVID-19 also face up to 14 days' quarantine at a state facility. Travelers exiting Guinea must show a negative test certificate taken up to three days before departure. Land and sea borders remain closed until further notice, unless for goods transportation; transporters will be subject to heightened screening measures.
Domestic Measures
A state of health emergency remains in place through at least mid-January. All measures, including the existing 0001-0400 curfew in Greater Conakry (Conakry, Coyah, and Dubreka), remain in effect until further notice. There are no curfews in place outside of this area. All public transport passengers and transport employees must wear facemasks. The government has maintained the compulsory wearing of facemasks in public and private spaces. Restaurants, bars, hotels, and motels can reopen; however, all service personnel must wear facemasks and adhere to social distancing. Other sociocultural and sporting activities can resume with participants, spectators, and organizers complying with social-distancing mandates and the use of facemasks. Places of worship and schools have opened in areas with no recorded COVID-19 cases in the last 30 days.
Any changes to measures already in place will be announced in the coming days.
Context
The measures the government has taken correspond with similar actions introduced by other West African governments 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.
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.
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.
