16 Dec 2020 | 02:05 PM UTC
Guinea-Bissau: Nationwide COVID-19 state of alert in place through March 2021 /update 15
Authorities downgrade Guinea-Bissau's COVID-19 state of calamity to state of alert through at least March 10. International flights ongoing.
Event
Authorities in Guinea-Bissau have downgraded the country's response to the spread of the corona-virus disease to a state of alert through at least March 10, 2021. The downgrade follows the expiration of the state of calamity, Dec. 8. The state of alert follows repeated extensions of the country's lapsed state of emergency and the gradual lifting of some of the associated restrictive measures.
International passenger flights have resumed; although flights are limited, humanitarian, medical, and cargo flights have continued. All travelers intending on entering the country will only be permitted entry with a negative COVID-19 test taken up to 72 hours before travel. Travelers without a test certificate will be quarantined for 14 days. Travelers who display symptoms, or have been in contact with other travelers displaying symptoms, also risk isolation and quarantine measures. Land borders have been open since May.
The government has also announced some revisions to previously imposed internal restrictions:
Public transport can operate at 50 percent capacity;
The wearing of facemasks is mandatory in public;
Nightclubs, gyms, and cultural sites have been reopened but must operate at 50 percent capacity;
Demonstrations, meetings, and conferences can resume outdoors and at 50 percent capacity indoors and may not exceed 100 people;
Inter-regional travel can continue with no restrictions.
All restrictions are subject to amendment, and relaxed measures could be reimposed at short notice.
Context
The measures taken by the government have been driven by the need to allow economic recovery in the wake of COVID-19. COVID-19 is a viral respiratory disease caused by infection with the SARS-CoV-2 virus (previously known as 2019-nCoV). Symptoms occur 1-14 days following exposure (average of 3-7 days). These symptoms include fever, fatigue, cough, difficulty breathing, sometimes worsening to pneumonia and kidney failure - especially in those with underlying medical conditions. On March 11, the WHO declared the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak a pandemic.
Advice
Reconfirm all transportation. Consider deferring nonessential travel to Guinea-Bissau for the duration of the restrictions. Follow all official directives. Abide by national health and safety measures. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions. Reconsider and reconfirm nonemergency health appointments. Plan for queues and delays at available shopping centers.
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.
