Mayotte: Authorities tightened COVID-19 restrictions Jan. 9 /update 4

Mayotte authorities tightened COVID-19-related entry restrictions Jan. 9, and maintain domestic state of health emergency measures.

Event

Authorities in Mayotte tightened entry requirements Jan. 9 as part of measures to contain the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

Under the restrictions, only travelers with a compelling family or personal reason, medical emergency, or essential professional reason that cannot be deferred are allowed to travel to Mayotte. Persons older than 11 years of age arriving in the territory will be required to provide a negative COVID-19 test taken no more than 72 hours before boarding. There are no quarantine requirements. These measures will be in place until at least Jan. 31.

Persons older than 11 years of age traveling to Reunion and Metropolitan France will be required to provide a negative COVID-19 test received no more than 72 hours before boarding. Flights from Kenya will be suspended from Jan. 12.

Other COVID-19-related measures remain in force island-wide:

Facemasks are compulsory in most public areas, businesses, and on public transportation.
Public gatherings of more than six people are prohibited. Exceptions may be made for specific events.
Stringent health measures are in effect for restaurants, including allowing no more than six people to be seated at a single table and enforcement of social distancing of at least one meter (3.3 feet) between people in public areas.
Authorities continue to advise working from home where possible.
Health checks are in place at ports of entry.

Officials placed the territory under a renewed state of health emergency Oct. 17 to contain the spread of COVID-19.

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

Advice

Individuals affected by the restrictions should consider postponing planned travel. 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 non-emergency 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.