Timor-Leste: Entry restrictions imposed for non-nationals as of February 8 amid coronavirus outbreak

Event

Timor-Leste imposed entry restrictions for non-nationals who have recently traveled to China as of Saturday, February 8, amid the ongoing coronavirus (2019-nCoV) outbreak. Under the new restrictions, individuals who have traveled to Hubei province (China) over the last four weeks will be denied entry, and individuals who have traveled to other provinces in China may be denied entry unless they present a medical report issued by an internationally recognized medical institution and an accompanying photograph. Those found to have visited China in the last four weeks after arriving in Timor-Leste may be subject to quarantine or return to their last port of departure.

As of Friday, February 7, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) had not reported any confirmed cases of 2019-nCoV in Timor-Leste.

Further international spread of the 2019-nCoV virus is to be expected over the coming days and weeks.

Context

The first case of 2019-nCoV 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 25 countries and territories worldwide. Virus screening and quarantining measures are being implemented at airports worldwide, as well as extensive travel restrictions. On January 30, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared that the ongoing novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) outbreak is a "public health emergency of international concern."

Pneumonia symptoms include dry cough, chest pain, fever, and labored 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

Potentially impacted travelers are advised to monitor the situation, confirm travel itineraries and consider rebooking options, if needed, and adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities and their home governments. Individuals are advised to take precautionary measures to reduce their risk of contracting the virus:

• Avoid all contact with animals (dead or alive); avoid eating animal products that are undercooked; avoid all markets where animals are sold
• Avoid all close contact with people displaying symptoms of the disease (e.g. difficulties breathing)
• Frequently wash hands, wear a face mask
• Individuals within China developing symptoms of pneumonia are advised to seek medical attention, avoid contact with other people, and wash hands regularly
• Adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities and their home governments
• Travelers returning from China developing symptoms of pneumonia are advised to call emergency services before going to the doctor or hospital to avoid spreading the disease.