Malawi: Authorities implement additional COVID-19 measures, as of Jan. 18 /update 9

Authorities in Malawi implement additional COVID-19 restrictions, as of Jan. 18, including a curfew between 2100-0500.

Event

As of Jan. 18, authorities in Malawi maintain additional restrictions due to an increasing number of positive coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases and deaths. The new measures were announced Jan. 17. A nightly 2100-0500 curfew and several other restrictions will remain in place for at least 15 days:

All bars and restaurants are required to close at 2000.
All markets are required to close at 1700.
All businesses and public service buildings must be sanitized at least once a week and fitted with handwashing facilities at entrances and exits.
The wearing of protective facemasks is compulsory in all public spaces.
All gatherings, including religious gatherings, must have no more than 50 people present at any given time.
Businesses are to reorganize their workforce to work in shifts to minimize the number of people on location at any given time.
All schools will remain closed for the duration of 15 days.
All land borders remain closed until further notice. Only Malawian nationals and essential service providers, such as freight trucks, will cross the border. A review of the border closure is due to take place Feb. 3.
Authorities have also implemented mandatory quarantine for returning Malawian nationals who test positive at the nation's border crossings.
International commercial passenger flights are ongoing at Kamuzu International Airport (LLW) in Lilongwe. Travel to Malawi will require a negative COVID-19 test taken within 10 days before arrival in Malawi, followed by 14-days of self-monitoring for signs of infection.
Travelers arriving in Malawi and showing signs of infection may be tested at the airport and will need to remain at the airport until the test results return; travelers testing positive may be taken for treatment at a government facility. Travelers who fail to produce a negative COVID-19 test will be denied entry into the country. Travelers leaving Malawi must present proof of having tested negative for COVID-19 within the previous 10 days.

All restrictions are subject to amendment at short notice in response to government reviews. Security forces have been deployed to ensure compliance. Authorities will issue fines to persons not complying with the COVID-19-related measures.

Advice

Reconfirm all planned travel arrangements. Plan accordingly for protracted commercial, transport, and logistics disruptions. Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. 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 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.