13 Jan 2021 | 12:01 PM UTC
Liberia: Authorities maintain COVID-19 restrictions as of Jan. 13 /update 17
Liberia maintains international travel directives, domestic restrictions under COVID-19 national health emergency measures as of Jan. 13.
Event
Authorities in Liberia are maintaining international travel directives as of Jan. 13 to support the country's national health emergency measures. The measures replaced the country's state of emergency as part of continued efforts to stem the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
International Travel
All land borders remain closed. Ports have reopened. International commercial flights to Liberia have resumed. All arriving passengers must pay USD 75 to have test samples taken at the port of entry. Travelers will also have to download the Liberia Travel Application and complete a Health Screening Arrival Form. Proof of these requirements must be presented on arrival.
Travelers will be screened on arrival, and individuals displaying symptoms may be quarantined at a government facility. Travelers who are tested at the port of entry are advised to self-isolate for up to seven days and to monitor symptoms via the mobile app for up to 14 days. Travelers who test positive may be quarantined or allowed to receive home care; decisions are made on a case-by-case basis. Individuals staying in Liberia for up to five days on an approved mission are exempt from testing on arrival. All exempt travelers will need to provide a negative PCR test taken up to 96 hours before travel. Humanitarian workers in Liberia for a period of more than 15 days must present a negative test taken with 96 hours of arrival. These travelers must also isolate for seven days and take a test at the end of the isolation period. Children under the age of 5 years old and cabin crew in the country for less than 48 hours are also exempt from testing requirements. Travelers exiting Liberia are required to present a test taken within 72 hours of departure at personal expense.
Domestic Measures
Local measures remain in place nationwide. Under the Ministry of Health guidelines, all persons must abide by public health directives, including the wearing of facemasks in all public places. Individuals must also follow social distancing of approximately 1 meter (3 feet). All operating businesses and services must have hand washing and sanitizing stations. Businesses involved in the trade of alcohol must close by 2100. Restrictions on capacity are in place for banks, supermarkets, and public transport. Churches and mosques can operate at 25-percent capacity.
Context
The action to end the country's state of emergency likely results from domestic pressure rather than from an improvement in the health environment. Cases of the disease continue to be reported across Liberia.
Advice
Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Confirm all travel arrangements. Consider delaying travel 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 hand-washing 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.
