Ghana: Authorities announce reopening of air borders September 1 /update 13

Event

President Nana Akufo-Addo announced on Sunday, August 30, that air borders will reopen to international travel as of Tuesday, September 1, following their closure due to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. Accra Kotoka International Airport (ACC) will also reopen to passenger air traffic on Tuesday, following the implementation of rapid COVID-19 testing for arrivals there. Those arriving in Ghana will be required to produce a negative COVID-19 test result acquired no more than 72 hours prior to scheduled arrival. Arrivals will also have to undergo a mandatory COVID-19 test, which involves a fee to be paid by the passenger. Land and sea borders remain closed until further notice.

From August 1, several measures previously introduced to limit the spread of COVID-19 were eased. Restrictions on the number of worshippers in churches and mosques were lifted and permitted worship time extended. There was also an easing of limitations on the number of passengers on public transport and domestic flights, and tourist centers and open-air drinking spots were allowed to reopen. It remains mandatory to wear face masks in public spaces.

As of Monday, August 31, there have been 44,205 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ghana, with 276 associated fatalities. Further international spread of the virus is 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). Since then, human-to-human transmission of the virus has been confirmed.

Cases of the virus have been confirmed in numerous countries and territories worldwide. On March 11, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the global outbreak a pandemic. Virus-screening and quarantining measures are being implemented at airports worldwide, as well as extensive travel restrictions.

The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, dry cough, and tiredness. Some patients may experience other symptoms such as body pains, nasal congestion, headache, conjunctivitis, sore throat, diarrhea, loss of taste or smell or a rash on skin or discoloration of fingers or toes. These symptoms (in most cases mild) appear gradually. Generally, most patients (around 80 percent) recover from the disease without being hospitalized.

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 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.