Pakistan: Domestic and international flights suspension extended through April 21 /update 15

Event

On Thursday, April 9, the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority announced that the existing domestic and international flights ban, initially scheduled to last until Saturday, April 11, will be extended through Tuesday, April 21, to limit further spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Authorities also stated that the same rules issued in the previous orders will apply; therefore, cargo and diplomatic flights, and air carriers holding a special approval from the competent authority are exempted from the ban.

On Monday, March 23, Pakistan deployed its army to enforce lockdown measures after all provincial governments ordered a complete or partial lockdown to curb the spread of the virus. All restaurants and shopping malls will remain closed across the country, while public transportation is suspended; however, Pakistani citizens and residents may reportedly leave their homes to buy groceries and medicine and visit health facilities.

To date, there are 4601 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the country, with 66 associated deaths. 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 nonessential 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 COVID-19 transmission, travelers are advised to abide by the following measures:

• Frequently clean hands by using alcohol-based hand rub or 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.