Angola: Authorities extend nationwide sanitary cordon to Feb. 9 /update 16

Authorities in Angola extend sanitary cordon to Feb. 9 to curb the spread of COVID-19. Limited international travel remains.

Event

Authorities have extended the country's sanitary cordon to at least Feb. 9 in continued efforts to curb the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19). All air, land, and sea borders for travel to and from Australia, Nigeria, and South Africa remain closed until further notice due to the emergence of a new variant of COVID-19. Several international travel and domestic restrictions remain in place as of Jan. 12.

International Measures:

Limited international travel is permitted for only citizens or residents of the country, humanitarian transport, medical emergencies, and diplomatic missions.
All land and sea borders remain closed until further notice.
Persons entering the country must complete a Travel Registration Form (FRV) up to 72 hours before the travel date.
Persons entering the country require a negative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) COVID-19 test taken no more than 72 hours before arrival.
Any person entering the country needs to comply with a mandatory home quarantine period of at least seven days. All non-residential essential workers will be required to quarantine at a government-approved facility. Persons will be permitted to leave quarantine once testing negative for COVID-19.

Domestic Restrictions:

Schools will reopen from Feb. 10.
Sporting activities will be permitted to begin from Jan. 18, with a spectator capacity of 10-percent.
Religious groups are permitted to hold services four days per week.
Commercial establishments are permitted to operate at full capacity 0700-2200.
Restaurants and cafes are permitted to operate at 50-percent capacity 0600-2100.
Domestic flights are ongoing. A negative serological COVID-19 test obtained 72 hours before travel is required.
Travel restrictions to and from Luanda and Cuanza Norte remains in place.
Public transport is limited to 75-percent capacity.
It is mandatory to wear facemasks on public transport and in public spaces.
Restrictions on gatherings are in force.

Those caught in breach of COVID-19 measures and restrictions will be subject to fines. Authorities may amend existing regulations or introduce new restrictions with little notice depending on local and international disease activity in 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.

Emphasize basic health precautions, especially frequent handwashing with soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are unavailable. Practice good coughing/sneezing etiquette (i.e., covering coughs and sneezes with a disposable tissue, maintaining distance from others, and washing hands). There is no evidence that the influenza vaccine, antibiotics, or antiviral medications will prevent this disease, highlighting the importance of diligent basic health precautions.