Marshall Islands: Authorities extend inbound travel ban until June 5 /update 3

Event

The Marshall Islands government has announced that the current ban on all incoming travelers in place to prevent the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) will be extended for a further month through Friday, June 5. Foreign nationals have been barred from entering the Marshall Islands since Sunday, March 8, and Marshall Islands residents have been discouraged from traveling abroad.

Individuals who intend to live and work on outer islands have been advised to return there, as in the event of cases of COVID-19 being confirmed in either of the islands two main urban centers, authorities plan to cancel air and shipping services to remote atolls in order to prevent the spread of the virus to these isolated populations.

As of Saturday, May 2, the Marshall Islands is one of fewer than 20 nations globally that has not recorded any confirmed cases of COVID-19. Further international spread of the virus expected in 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.