Seychelles: Authorities announce the resumption of commercial passenger flights from August 1 /update 5

Event

Seychellois authorities announced on Friday, July 3, that the resumption of commercial passenger flights will begin from, August 1 amid the easing of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) restrictions. The resumption of passenger flights will be open to visitors from approved countries only. Seychelles airport is currently open to private jets and chartered passenger flights with passengers from low-risk countries.

Additionally, all yachts, superyachts, and leisure fishing vessels wishing to enter Seychelles must have spent at least 14 days at sea during which daily temperature checks must be conducted and submitted to the Seychelles port health office. A negative PCR test no more than 48-hours prior to arrival is also required.  

As of Saturday, July 4, health authorities have confirmed 81 COVID-19 cases with no associated deaths in the country. Further spread of the virus is expected in 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 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.