Eritrea: Authorities loosen limited domestic COVID-19 restrictions from April 1 /update 9

Authorities in Eritrea to reopen schools as of April 1; other COVID-19 measures remain in place nationwide.

Event

Eritrean authorities have announced March 23, that schools will start reopening from April 1, after several months of suspension due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Under the new edict, students must adhere to strict preventive measures, including wearing facemasks and sanitation guidelines. Other existing restrictions remain unchanged; notable measures in place include;

Travel between cities or villages is banned. Checkpoints are in place to limit unauthorized travel by residents between districts, towns, and villages. Internal travel requires approval from authorities.
Private vehicles and other individual means of transportation may not operate; trucks, however, may be used only for freight services.
All trading enterprises will be closed except for retail stores. All essential businesses must close by 20:00 daily.
Restaurants, entertainment venues, and religious services remain closed.
Major manufacturing, agriculture, food processing, and construction sectors remain open.
All government institutions have suspended routine operations and nonessential services. Essential government functions, such as development, public utility and safety, and security are operating normally.
Funeral and mourning services may be held with a maximum of 10 persons. Other social events are prohibited.

All borders remain closed; charter and humanitarian flights require government approval, and permitted arriving travelers must quarantine for 14 days. Cargo and freight will likely be subject to enhanced screening measures.

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

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.