Sierra Leone: Officials amend nationwide COVID-19-related measures as of Feb. 8; 2200-0500 curfew in place /update 16

Authorities in Sierra Leone amend nationwide measures and movement restrictions as of Feb. 8; 2200-0500 curfew in place indefinitely.

Event

The government of Sierra Leone has amended measures that the nation had put in place to combat the spread of COVID-19. As of Feb. 8, the nationwide 2200-0500 curfew remains in place indefinitely; however, restrictions on movement into and out of the Western Region, including Freetown, have been lifted. A 12-month state of emergency is in place through at least March 2021.

A number of other existing directives remain in effect. Restaurants and bars are closed on the weekends, with clubs being closed completely. Sporting activities can be held without spectators. Religious services are restricted to 90 minutes. Facemasks are mandatory on public transportation and in public spaces. Public transport is operating at reduced capacity.

With regard to international travel, land and sea borders are closed to passenger transit. International travelers must obtain authorization before arrival and must provide a negative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) COVID-19 test result issued within seven days prior to departure for the country. Additional tests, including a COVID-19 PCR and rapid diagnostic test (RDT), are conducted on arrival. Any arriving traveler whose RDT test is positive will be isolated at a government-approved facility at his/her own expense. Travelers will remain at an approved facility until the PCR test is returned, with authorities holding their passports until the results of the PCR test have been received. If the PCR test is positive, the traveler will be required to self-isolate. The duration of the self-isolation is not clear.

Travelers departing Sierra Leone must submit a negative PCR test conducted within 72 hours of their intended departure time. Travelers who arrived in the country fewer than five days before departing are exempt from the test.

Sierra Leone is likely to maintain its current domestic health measures and restrictions; however, should an increase in cases be observed, additional travel restrictions may be imposed.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all travel arrangements and requirements. 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. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions. Reconsider and reconfirm nonemergency health appointments. Plan for queues and delays at available shopping centers.