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06 Jul 2020 | 09:39 AM UTC

Marshall Islands: Authorities extend ban on international arrivals to August 5 /update 5

Authorities extend ban on international arrivals to August 5; confirm travel itineraries and continue to follow government directives

Warning

Event

On Friday, July 3, the government of the Marshall Islands extended a ban on inbound travel to the country through August 5, in efforts to limit the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). The country closed its borders to incoming travellers on March 8, and the ban has been extended several times with the most recent extension due to expire on Sunday, July 5. There remains a ban on government outbound travel and all Marshall Islands residents remain strongly advised against travel abroad. Authorities also announced under the new travel advisory that individuals arriving into the country, such as US military base employees who have been exempted from the ban, will now be required to undergo a 21-day quarantine rather than the previous 14-day period.

Vessels including fishing vessels are still required to spend at least 14 days on the water from their last port of departure prior to arriving in-country. Container ships transporting essential supplies and food have been exempted from the 14-day period, though health data must be provided for all crew members over a 21 day period to arrival in-country.

As of July 6, there have been no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the Marshall Islands. Further international spread of the virus is to be expected over the near term.  

Context

The first case of COVID-19 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 numerous countries and territories worldwide. Virus-screening and quarantining measures are being implemented at airports worldwide, as well as extensive travel restrictions. On March 11, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the global outbreak a pandemic.

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

Measures adopted by local authorities evolve quickly and are usually effective immediately. Depending on the evolution of the outbreak in other countries, authorities are likely to modify, at very short notice, the list of countries whose travelers are subject to border control measures or entry restrictions upon their arrival to the territory in question. It is advised to postpone nonessential travel due to the risk that travelers may be refused entry or be subject to quarantine upon their arrival or during their stay.

To reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission, travelers are advised to abide by the following measures:

  • Frequently clean hands by applying an alcohol-based hand rub or washing with soap and water.
  • When coughing and sneezing, cover mouth and nose with a flexed elbow or tissue; if used, throw the tissue away immediately and wash hands.
  • If experiencing a fever, cough, difficulty breathing, or any other symptoms suggestive of respiratory illness, including pneumonia, call emergency services before going to the doctor or hospital to prevent the potential spread of the disease.