Senegal: Authorities amend COVID-19 measures under state of emergency as of Jan. 12 /update 14

Authorities in Senegal make wearing of facemasks compulsory under COVID-19 state of emergency as of Jan. 12; Dakar and Thies curfews remain.

Event

As of Jan. 12, the wearing of facemasks in all public spaces is mandatory across Senegal as part of efforts to curb the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Under this measure, facemasks must be worn on public roads and in public buildings, shops, public transport, and vehicles carrying two people or more. The directive was announced by the Ministry of Interior Jan. 7 following the reintroduction of a state of emergency Jan. 5.

As part of the state of emergency, the regions of Dakar and Thies will be under a nightly 2100-0500 curfew until further notice. Authorities have also banned nonessential travel and gatherings in these regions. Other domestic restrictions, including a ban on gatherings at theaters, bars, public beaches, and sports fields, remain in place across Senegal. All demonstrations have also been restricted. Amendments to these directives are likely in the coming weeks.

International Travel
International air travel is ongoing, but authorities have stated that travelers from countries with entry restrictions in place for Senegalese nationals will be denied entry. Exemptions include travelers from the West African Economic and Monetary Union and Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) states, foreign travelers with a residence permit, and travelers on essential business. Land borders with Gambia are open for travel, with borders with other neighboring countries only open to commercial transport. Overland travelers must present a negative COVID-19 test result in order to cross. Freight transport via sea routes is likely to continue but will be subject to increased screening and delays.

Travelers who are allowed into Senegal must present a negative COVID-19 test certificate taken up to five days before arrival. Travelers transiting Senegal must also provide a certificate for transits longer than 24 hours. Travelers without this documentation may not be allowed to board. Travelers must also complete a passenger location form and a letter of support from the relevant Senegalese diplomatic mission. Testing on arrival is no longer available.

Context

Senegal's initial state of emergency expired in June 2020. The reintroduction of the state of emergency follows a rise in the number of cases of COVID-19 across the country. Case numbers in Thies and Dakar account for almost 90 percent of Senegal's total.

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

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. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions. Reconsider and reconfirm nonemergency health appointments.

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.