DRC: Authorities lift quarantine measures in Kinshasa's business district on June 29 /update 18

Event

On Monday, June 29, authorities in the DRC lifted quarantine measures in Kinshasa's business district of Gombe, which had been sealed off from the rest of the city since April in an effort to limit the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Shops, cafes, bars, restaurants, and government offices have reopened in Gombe, but the central market remains closed. Residents of Kinshasa have been urged to limit their movements and wear masks at all times when in public. The city remains isolated from the rest of the DRC. Schools, universities, and places of worship are to remain closed. The state of health emergency currently in place due to COVID-19 is to remain in place through July 5.

As of Tuesday, June 30, authorities have confirmed 7039 cases of COVID-19 and 170 associated deaths in the DRC. Further international spread of the virus is to be expected over the near term.

Context

The first case of COVID-19 was reported on December 31 and the source of the outbreak has been linked to a wet market in Wuhan (Hubei province, China). Human-to-human and patient-to-medical staff transmission of the virus have been confirmed. Many of the associated fatalities have been due to pneumonia caused by the virus.

Cases of the virus have been confirmed in numerous countries and territories worldwide. Virus-screening and quarantining measures are being implemented at airports worldwide, as well as extensive travel restrictions. On March 11, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the global outbreak a pandemic.

Pneumonia symptoms include dry cough, chest pain, fever, and trouble breathing. Pneumonia can be contagious and can be transmitted from human to human. The influenza virus, or the flu, is a common cause of viral pneumonia.

Advice

Measures adopted by local authorities evolve quickly and are usually effective immediately. Depending on the evolution of the outbreak in other countries, authorities are likely to modify, at very short notice, the list of countries whose travelers are subject to border control measures or entry restrictions upon their arrival to the territory in question. It is advised to postpone non-essential travel due to the risk that travelers may be refused entry or be subject to quarantine upon their arrival or during their stay.

To reduce the risk of transmission, travelers are advised to abide by the following measures:

• Frequently clean hands by applying an alcohol-based hand rub or washing with soap and water.
• When coughing and sneezing, cover mouth and nose with a flexed elbow or tissue; if used, throw the tissue away immediately and wash hands.
• If experiencing a fever, cough, difficulty breathing, or any other symptoms suggestive of respiratory illness, including pneumonia, call emergency services before going to the doctor or hospital to prevent the potential spread of the disease.