Reunion: Authorities extend COVID-19 restrictions through at least Jan. 31 /update 9

Reunion authorities extend COVID-19-related state of health emergency measures through Jan. 31. International travel measures updated.

Event

Officials in Reunion have extended domestic coronavirus disease (COVID-19) controls through at least Jan. 31. International travel restrictions and domestic measures will remain in place during this period.

International Restrictions
Under updated restrictions, travelers from mainland France can travel to Reunion with a negative COVID-19 test carried out within 72 hours of boarding. Travelers from France must also fill a contact tracing assistance form. Travelers must wear masks for the duration of the flight. Travelers in this category must undertake a test two days after their arrival on the island.

Travelers not from mainland France, including from Mayotte, must present a compelling family or personal reason, medical emergency, or essential professional reason that cannot be deferred before being allowed to travel to Reunion. Persons older than 11 years of age arriving in the territory will be required to provide a negative COVID-19 test received no more than 72 hours before boarding. A contact-tracing form and a statement swearing that the traveler has displayed no symptoms in the preceding 14 days is also required. These travelers arriving in Reunion must isolate for seven days before taking a test; travelers who test positive may face quarantine measures. Travelers leaving the island, including during travel to mainland France, must also present a negative test taken up to 72 hours before boarding.

COVID-19-related measures remain in force islandwide:

Stringent health measures for restaurants, including no more than six people at a table, and social distancing measures of at least 1 meter (3.3 feet) between people in public areas are being enforced.
Public gatherings of more than six people in public are prohibited.
Facemasks are compulsory for persons over 11 years old in many public areas and on public transportation.
Cruise ships may not dock at ports.
Health checks are in place at ports of entry.

Authorities could reimpose, extend, ease, or otherwise amend any restrictions with little-to-no notice depending on disease activity over the coming weeks.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all travel arrangements well before departure. 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.

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.