17 Dec 2020 | 01:43 AM UTC
Liberia: Authorities maintain international travel directives and COVID-19 restrictions as of Dec. 16 /update 16
Authorities in Liberia maintain international travel directives under COVID-19 national health emergency measures as of Dec. 16.
Event
Authorities in Liberia are maintaining international travel directives as of Dec. 16 to support the country's national health emergency measures. The measures replaced the country's state of emergency as part of continued efforts to stem the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
International Travel
All land borders remain closed. Ports have reopened. International commercial flights to Liberia have resumed. From Dec. 1, all arriving passengers must pay USD 75 to have test samples taken at the port of entry. Travelers will also have to download the Liberia Travel Application and complete a Health Screening Arrival Form. Authorities will test all "non-exempt" incoming and outgoing travelers for COVID-19. All "exempt" travelers will need to provide a negative PCR test taken up to 96 hours before travel. Authorities will treat travelers who test positive for the disease according to official guidelines. Travelers who test negative are required to self-isolate for 14 days and monitor symptoms via the Liberia Travel Application. The Liberian government's definition of exempt and non-exempt travelers is currently unclear.
Domestic Measures
Local measures remain in place in all 15 counties. Under the Ministry of Health guidelines, all persons must abide by public health directives, including the wearing of facemasks in all public places. Individuals must also follow social distancing of approximately 1 meter (3 feet). All operating businesses and services must have hand washing and sanitizing stations. Businesses involved in the trade of alcohol must close by 2100. Restrictions on capacity are in place for banks, supermarkets, and public transport. Churches and mosques can operate at 25-percent capacity.
Context
The action to end the country's state of emergency likely results from domestic pressure rather than from an improvement in the health environment. Cases of the disease continue to be reported across Liberia. 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.
Advice
Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Confirm all travel arrangements. Consider delaying travel 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 non-emergency health appointments.
Emphasize basic health precautions, especially frequent hand-washing 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.
